Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC opened adjacent to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. Connected to the medical school and research institute by an enclosed elevated walkway, this 139,587 square foot research institute serves as a new model for a biomedical, behavioral science and clinical research facility.

The design encompassed a combination of wet lab, dry lab, and core spaces to support the thematic areas. Core spaces include an imaging core, electron microspore core, biomaterial and body device-related workshops, clinical research, behavioral research, and an animal facility. Areas on the ground and first floors are dedicated to classrooms for VTC’s higher education and professional development programs. Occupying part of the ground floor, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Cancer Care and Research Center (ACCRC) provides tertiary care and treatment for privately owned animals, primarily in oncology, radiation, ophthalmology, and surgery. Shielded rooms in the imaging core for MRI and CT were designed with two separate accesses — one for humans and another for animals — to maintain separation of research subject flows throughout the building.

 

Design features that were incorporated to support the LEED v4 Silver Certification include:

• A Lab Demand Control Ventilations System (LDCV) is used in the laboratories to help ensure occupant safety while creating a comfortable working environment and significantly improving energy efficiency. The system continuously monitors critical indoor parameters and provides input to adjust ventilation rates.
• To mitigate stormwater, a large portion of the roof is an intensive green roof system. A rainwater harvesting system supplies greywater to the plumbing systems and provides a 60% water reduction over baseline projects.
• Electric vehicle charging was added to the existing parking garage, along with commuter bike parking.
• Short-term bike parking for staff or visitors is located conveniently near two of the building’s entrances.
• The project takes full advantage of its central location. Community amenities are steps away,  such as parks and the robust Roanoke River Greenway and Blueway, encouraging the  work/play balance for healthy mind and body.