Vermont State Health Lab

Continuing their collaboration on laboratory buildings with the Princeton, New Jersey office of HDR, Scott + Partners designed the building envelope housing Vermont’s new 64,000 square foot State Health Laboratory.

Challenges included  breaking down the scale of the facility while accommodating a two story mechanical penthouse and hitting a critical budget mark.  To achieve this, large building components were treated carefully within a limited palate of insulated metal panels and glass.  Open office areas were given maximum daylight behind a two story glass curtainwall while laboratory spaces had fewer openings.  Stair towers were pulled out of the building footprint and expressed. The mechanical penthouse was set back and covered in light colored panels to complete the image.

Extensive use of mock-ups and attention to joint details resulted in outstanding overall facility air sealing.  Blower door testing proved this building is among the top buildings in the state for envelope performance.

‍