This new, two-story 17,827-sf medical research and education facility on the Boise Veterans’ Administration Medical Center (VAMC) campus replaces some of the research space currently located within the existing hospital facility and allows for expansion and development of further outreach to the state’s three universities. Within the new building are 16 general research lab spaces, as well as multiple specialty lab areas, researcher offices, and support spaces. Located outside of the secure lab areas are staff-support areas, as well as conference and education rooms for research staff and educational outreach.
The building is set into a sloped site and adjacent to a historic sandstone building. The exterior is contextual in nature, covered primarily with campus standard brick masonry. A sandstone-like material clads the single-story entry on the west elevation in deference to the adjoining historic sandstone structure.
As a nod to the modern nature of the research facility, large horizontal windows and sunshade/light shelves accent the building at laboratory and circulation spaces. In addition to daylighting the labs and most regularly occupied spaces, other high-performance features have been integrated into the building’s design with a goal of exceeding ASHRAE 90.1-2004 energy efficiency requirements by more than 31.5%. This project was designed to meet LEED™ Silver certification guidelines, but the client decided not to pursue the certification.
