The Institute for Scientific Research in Fairmont, W.Va., is an advanced scientifi c research and development company that specializes in providing multidisciplinary solutions to the leading-edge technology problems of its civilian, government and commercial clients. Its new five-story, 250,000- square-foot (23,225-m2) corporate headquarters and research and development facility has the capacity to house 500 researchers and support staff.
“The challenge was to design a building that visually symbolized the high-tech scientific research being performed at this facility and to attract key science professionals while inspiring them to reach new heights,” said Jon Grant, AIA, NCARB, principal with Grant Architects, Baltimore. “A refined machine for the development of new aerospace technologies located in a place where exposure to raw nature is unavoidable, the design for ISR incorporates both earthbound solidity and the flights of human aspiration. The building is a metaphor for the complex interaction of these seemingly rival elements.”
The site was not dramatically altered; instead the architects worked with the natural elements to create a structure that is connected to the land on which it rests. The building is designed to connect to the slope of the mountain with access to the structure minimizing total earth disturbance.
The project encompassed construction of the main facility, in addition to a three-level parking garage. There is approximately 89,000 square feet (8,268 m2) of research laboratory space available on the upper floors and an additional 22,000 square feet
(2,044 m2) of secure research laboratories located below ground. A portion of the building is open to the public and includes a general reception area, multipurpose exhibition center, 218-seat educational conference auditorium, 120-foot- (37-m-) tall observation tower and food service facilities. A wellness center is located on the first floor with fitness areas and a swimming pool.
The ISR received a Silver LEED rating. The building features reflective roofing over the majority of the building and a vegetated roof over the parking deck that helps to reduce water runoff that would otherwise potentially harm nearby streams and estuaries. The building is oriented to take maximum advantage of sun angles for heating and lighting benefits. The orientation further takes advantage of prevailing winds and includes an uninterruptible power generation system that uses a flywheel rather than a conventional battery system.
From CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa., the project features 19,147 square feet (1,779 m2) of 2-inch (51-mm) Formawall Dimension Series insulated fl at wall panels; 22,250 square feet (2,067 m2) of Econolap 3/4-inch (19-mm) exposed fastener panels; 6,895 square feet (641 m2) of Econolap 3/4-inch CAP; 13,738 square feet (1,276 m2) of EcoScreen Perforated Screenwall using Ecnololap 3/4-inch; 1,500 square feet (139 m2) of IW-10A concealed fastener profiles horizontal; 2,032 square feet (189 m2) of ADP 100 architectural roof panels; and 7,757 square feet (721 m2) of BR5-36 exposed fastener panel system. The metal panels on the main curved roof and the curved wall portions of the auditorium and pool area are a BD1520 Pan & Batten System from Merchant & Evans Inc., Burlington, N.J. The bullnose panels at the ends of the roof are also from Merchant & Evans. Except for the tower, all metal was installed over a Lastobond Shield HT waterproofing membrane by Soprema Inc., Wadsworth, Ohio.
ISR will serve as a catalyst for reinvigorating the area’s economy with new high-tech job opportunities.
Institute for Scientific Research, Fairmont, W.Va.
Award: 2007 AIA Baltimore Grand Design Award
Architect: Grant Architects PC, Baltimore
General contractor: BE&K Building Group, Raleigh, N.C.
Metal panel installer: AC Dellovade, Canonsburg, Pa.
Steel fabricator: Sippel Co., Ambridga, Pa.
Stainless-steel pool: Bradford Products, Wilmington, N.C.
Balcony hanging fittings: Frontier Technologies, Gardena, Calif.
Sunshade fabricator: McNichols, Tampa, Fla.
Waterproofing membrane: Soprema Inc., Wadsworth, Ohio
Curtainwall: Vistawall, Terrell, Texas
Metal ceiling and wall panels: CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa.
Metal roofing: Merchant & Evans Inc., Burlington, N.J.
