Education/Research

Baylor Research Tower

• Baylor College of Medicine
• Houston, Texas

This 162,000-square-foot research facility in the Texas Medical Center contributes significantly to the college’s positioning in the field of biomedicine.

The tower has two vivariums—where animals live under conditions simulating their natural environment—five laboratory levels and one mechanical floor. The two vivarium floors are operated as a strict barrier with sterile supply of all animal husbandry equipment. Each floor has a full interstitial utility space above to promote service and maintenance without compromising the research barrier.

The tower’s mechanical system includes eight 50,000 cfm Haakon units with steam coils and UVC emitters, two steam-to-hot water heat exchangers, a chilled water-to-chilled water heat exchanger and 17 general and lab exhaust fans. Working floors are supplied and exhausted by air venturi valves to maintain space-pressurization requirements.

• Architect: Lord Aeck Sargent
• Engineer: BR + A Consulting Engineers
• General Contractor: Vaughn Construction