BNBuilders’ Virtual Reality Services Facilitate Improvements Prior to Construction
San Diego, CA, June 22, 2018 – BNBuilders; Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.; and Vertex Pharmaceuticals celebrated the grand opening of Vertex’s new research facility in San Diego with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 18, 2018. Located at 3215 Merryfield Row, Vertex’s new facility was developed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. with the building shell designed by LPA and interiors designed by DGA. The new Vertex research center joins BNBuilders’ expanding portfolio of cutting-edge facilities for worldwide leaders in the biotech, health, and life science industries.
Photograph of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ lobby, courtesy BNBuilders.
Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a biotech company focused on creating transformative medicines for people who have serious diseases. The company has had a research and development presence in San Diego for more than 15 years. Its San Diego research team is responsible for the discovery of three breakthrough cystic fibrosis medications, Kalydeco, Orkambi, and Symdeko.
Vertex’s new building in Torrey Pines is at the heart of San Diego’s biotech community. The 170,000-square-foot facility is double the size of Vertex’s former space, and can accommodate 250 employees. Within the LEED Gold certified building, 70 percent of its space is dedicated to laboratory/research activities. The building is designed with interior walls of glass, allowing the laboratories and ongoing scientific research to be seen throughout the building. The site has a 1,500-square-foot Learning Lab for STEM education programs, a 4,000-square-foot Incubator Suite for external collaboration, and an air circulation system designed to bring in 100 percent outside air, the highest quality available. Also, in honor of the discoveries made by its San Diego research team, the building’s lobby features a stunning art display of 12 cystic fibrosis protein strands. With each strand measuring 10 feet tall and 10 inches in diameter, the strands allow visitors to interact with the art display through tactile touch.
BNBuilders and Vertex used virtual reality during the design stage of the project to review the functionality of laboratory spaces. The Vertex team found such high value in experiencing these modeled spaces, they expanded the service to additional areas, including a variety of labs, common spaces, the lobby redesign, and several of the architectural features. Ross Brown, Project Executive at BNBuilders, explains, “The virtual reality was a tremendous benefit to the Vertex team. It helped the Board of Directors and Site Lead to finalize decisions and make impactful changes to the building. And, compared with traditional static renderings, Vertex had an 80% cost savings by substituting with our in-house virtual reality services. The BNBuilders team is thrilled that we were able to play our part in facilitating the important research which will take place in these laboratories.”
About BNBuilders
Founded in 2000 in Seattle, BNBuilders is a West Coast general contractor that specializes in complex projects for clients in the life sciences, education, healthcare, public, and technology sectors. They are known for their innovative solutions to highly technical issues, comprehensive preconstruction services, passion for sustainable construction practices, and commitment to the communities in which they do business. With three offices, 500+ employees, and a strong presence in the California and Washington construction markets, BNBuilders is a leader and preferred contractor on the West Coast. For more information, visit www.bnbuilders.com.
