Consigli Construction Completes First Building for Bigelow Laboratory
Center for Ocean Sciences Campus
Designed by WBRC Architects · Engineers in association with
Perkins + Will, planning and design architect
EAST BOOTHBAY, ME – February 15, 2012 – Consigli Construction Co., Inc. of Portland, Maine has completed construction of the Bigelow Center for Blue Biotechnology (BCBB), the first building at the new Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences campus in East Boothbay.
The new $10.3 million BCBB is one of three complementary and interconnected research centers that Consigli, along with WBRC Architects · Engineers, in association with Perkins + Will, planning and design architect, are completing at the 64-acre Ocean Science and Education Campus.
The 25,600 square-foot, three-story building, which houses the world’s first microbial single cell genomics center and the largest collection in the world of marine phytoplankton, contains various laboratories, offices, a café and conference space. Research in the BCBB focuses on harnessing the potential of the ocean’s microbial life to benefit society through new technologies and product development. Projected to receive LEED Gold designation, the BCBB’s energy-efficient design includes interior and exterior building materials chosen for their low carbon footprint, high use of recycled content, sustainable manufacturing process and lifecycle durability.
“Construction of the BCBB, completed 14 months after groundbreaking in the fall of 2010, was made possible by a major award from the Maine Technology Asset Fund and the people of Maine who voted to pass a $50 million research and development bond in 2007,” said Graham Shimmield, Laboratory Executive Director.
The second science facility, currently in construction and slated for completion in summer 2012, is the $6.6 million Center for Ocean Biogeochemistry and Climate Change (COBCC). The 17,197 square-foot Center includes laboratory space for research on the interface between the planet’s atmosphere, ocean, and sediments, and the ocean’s role in climate variability.
The $9.9 million Bigelow Center for Ocean Health (COH) represents the third phase of the new campus and is to be completed in November of 2012. The Center conducts research on marine microbial ecosystems and their role in maintaining the health of the oceans. The 16,600 square-foot building will be augmented by a 1,400 square-foot shore facility, with seawater pumping facilities and pier and dock space for research vessels to support field research and SCUBA operations.
When fully completed, the Ocean Science and Education campus will provide over 60,000 square feet of laboratory, education and administrative space; bringing scientists together in a unified facility to develop a multi-disciplinary, multi-scale approach to ocean health, and provide improved management tools to support healthy, productive and resilient ocean ecosystems.
About Consigli
Named the #1 Best Place to Work in Maine in 2011 in an employee survey published in Mainebiz, Consigli is a full-service construction manager and general contractor serving academic, healthcare, institutional, life sciences, corporate, landmark restoration and federal clients throughout New England and New York State. A leader in sustainable construction practices, Consigli is consistently ranked in the national Top 100 Green Contractors by Engineering News-Record Magazine. With offices in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, Consigli has also been recognized as one of the best places to work in Massachusetts, published in The Boston Globe and Boston Business Journal. For more information, visit www.consigli.com.
About Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
An independent, nonprofit research institution based in midcoast Maine, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is a center for global ocean research. The Laboratory’s research ranges from microbial oceanography—examining biological productivity in the world’s oceans at the molecular level – to the large-scale biogeochemical processes that drive interactions between ocean ecosystems and global environmental conditions. These programs have taken Bigelow scientists around the world to every ocean and the polar seas.
About WBRC Architects · Engineers
WBRC Architects ∙ Engineers is recognized as one of the most experienced and respected architectural and engineering firms in Maine with an extensive portfolio including Civic, Commercial, Educational, and Healthcare projects. Founded in 1902 as a two-person office, WBRC now employs more than 60 people in two states, including Licensed Architects, Interior Designers, Professional Engineers and designers experienced in civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines. Guided by a philosophy that actively involves our clients in the design and decision-making process, we are dedicated to design excellence and respect for the environment, and play a leading role in the development of towns and cities from Northern New England and Canada to the Gulf Coast.
About Perkins & Will
Perkins + Will is a nationally-known architectural firm specializing in the design of buildings for healthcare, education and research. The firm has the largest portfolio of research buildings of any Architectural firm and places a special emphasis on providing innovative research environments that help accelerate discovery. Perkins +Will is honored to contribute to Bigelow’s bright future and to partner with WBRC and Consigli to help make it all come true. www.perkinswill.com