Healthy Kentucky Research Building

The University of Kentucky’s Healthy Kentucky Research Building is a state-of-the-art, 306,000 SF facility for researchers in the biomedical (medicine, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences), psychology (animal researchers), Arts and Sciences (biology, chemistry), and engineering (imagers, computational) fields. CMTA was responsible for the lighting, plumbing, laboratory gas, fire suppression, and central plant expansion design.

The laboratory’s spaces are flexible and open, allowing users to adjust and modify the space to fit their needs. This includes:

• Vivarium totaling 12,800 gross SF
• 8,000 gross SF imaging space
• 96 benches of biomedical wet lab space
• Flexible lab/offices
• Central lobby forum space and cafe
• 100-seat auditorium
• Space for imaging equipment on the lower level
• Computational dry lab space
• Shelled space for future fit-up

This research building provides the University with a modern laboratory and vivarium facility for the study of health disparities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The building’s mechanical system is served by the campus’ chilled water and high-pressure steam systems, supplemented by a heat recovery chiller within the facility. The building’s heating and cooling is provided by chilled beams. The air supplied to wet labs is 100% outside air by air handling units located in a rooftop penthouse.

Each lab is served by a centralized vacuum system, and lab grade reverse osmosis water. The project included the addition of a 2,500-ton chiller within the campus central utility plant. New 32-inch chilled water mains and 16 high pressure steam pipes were extended from the plant to create a redundant service to the campus.

The building is fed by two circuits from the campus 12 KV electrical service and remote generators to provide emergency power. The lighting throughout the facility is LED with active daylighting controls. The lab spaces utilize task lighting integrated into the lab casework to provide increased lighting levels for occupied lab benches.