Natera

Dynamic LED-lit seating serves as a focal point, marking the entrance to the second floor, which features offices and laboratories.

Designers developed diverse solutions for integrating utilities with laboratory equipment.

 

To emphasize Austin’s unique identity, Natera incorporated artwork from local artists. We curated custom-painted and digitally printed vinyl wallcoverings, thoughtfully positioned to engage both visitors and employees.

We designed smooth floor transitions, prioritizing the functionality and accuracy of the space by minimizing the need for recalibration of sensitive lab equipment.

DIRTT walls were implemented to offer adaptable solutions, enabling the lab to adjust its capacity efficiently in response to changing industry demands.

Challenge
The 3-story buildings in this complex were marketed as laboratory buildings but are only suitable for light R&D, not full production labs. The building lacks sufficient electrical power, a freight elevator, and has bar joist roofs that cannot support Makeup Air Units needed for clean environments. These deficiencies require civil work and site plan exemptions or corrections, significantly impacting project schedules.

 

Solution
We added a second transformer and are evaluating the addition of a third generator. We are installing a freight elevator. All MAUs are ground-mounted outside the building and brought inside through the floors. We prioritized designing critical infrastructure to obtain site plan exemptions or corrections from the city before the actual building permit, preventing schedule delays.

Extensive structural steelwork was required for the robust exhaust system, new material lift, and box lift to service the 2nd-floor labs.