As a United States Department of Energy national lab, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington, is a renowned research institution. Partnering with several local universities, PNNL’s scientists use their chemistry, earth sciences, and data analytics expertise to tackle our most pressing energy problems.

In order to best conduct high-level research in catalysis and material application science, PNNL built a new Energy Sciences Center (ESC). Now open, the ESC focuses on the chemical processes, materials, and technologies at play in energy consumption, and serves as a signature lab on their main campus.

Working with Kirksey Architecture and Harvey-Cleary Builders, Arup provided structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire engineering services for the new facility. As part of the project team, Arup helped design a flexible laboratory building capable of addressing specific research topics.

From the outset, PNNL had very specific, well-considered ideas for how the facility should be designed, built, and delivered. PNNL opted for a design-build approach so that the contractors, architects and engineers could work as a unit to design a space specifically tailored to the lab’s vision of flexibility and efficiency. Four high-performing imaging labs use extremely sensitive electron microscopes to examine materials at the molecular level. In addition, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suite utilizes powerful magnets to scan the local magnetic fields of material samples. The equipment necessary for these specialty laboratories mandated stringent environmental and vibration design requirements.

Modularity and future flexibility

PNNL was keen to build in as much flexibility and redundancy into the ESC as possible. The design team therefore configured the main building infrastructure with future uses in mind. The front of the facility is an office block with a two-storied lobby — something seen more frequently in a corporate space. Behind it is a large laboratory block with more than 50 lab modules.

An interstitial utility corridor brings the services that feed the lab into a more easily accessible maintenance area. Typically, this mechanical infrastructure is in the ceiling, which would require maintenance staff to access the sometimes-hazardous lab area. The horizontal corridor within the building minimizes the distribution of systems throughout the lab, reduces the time and cost of lab program changes, while reducing disruptions to the space.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Energy Sciences Center exterior at night

The ESC advances research in catalysis and material application science, focusing on energy processes and technologies © Aker Imaging

Partners & collaborators

Battelle Memorial Institute / Harvey-Cleary Builders / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory