FWA | BASF Agricultural Research Center

The facility's primary function is testing chemical compounds that are developed in Germany for agricultural uses. For testing purposes, insect colonies are maintained in a specially designed isolation site that includes seven rearing rooms and a quarantine room for studies on insects not common to the North Carolina locale. Most of the testing occurs in four biological greenhouses. Because of their importance, these greenhouses are a primary design theme for the BASF project.

CONTINUED

Their sloped glazing and gable forms provide design motifs throughout, echoed in the building's entry canopy projected windows, and green reflective glass and window framing. Brick is used to add warmth and color on the building's exterior and again in the lobby in a 16'x24' sculptured mural of agricultural crops that have been influenced by BASF research.

Particular attention was paid to making the chemistry laboratory areas highly accessible and a pleasant work environment. All of the labs face either the lake or a wooded area. Lab spaces flank a core area containing temperature-sensitive instrument rooms, common-use facilities and a tunnel at the basement level containing utility services. There are access doors on all chases, which facilitate access to utility services for any future changes in laboratory requirements. The chemistry labs are grouped together and configured on a curved path to reduce the apparent length of the building wing. The building achieves energy efficiency through a sophisticated mechanical system that modulates air distribution based on fume hood usage. All lab exhaust air is routed through a heat reclaim system in the roof-top penthouse.

FROM:
Address or Intersection:

City:	State:	ZIP Code:

Country:

BUILDING AREA:
105,000 SF