Mcmaster University -
Biomolecular/Materials Research Facility Addition

Photos: ( from top):Polymer Research Lab, Biomolecular Research Lab, Building Exterior with Curved NMR Wall

The new addition for the Biomolecular and Materials Research facility was constructed between 2002 and 2003 at a total cost of $8 Million and is comprised of the following components:

• Addition to the existing Arthur N. Bourns Science Building of four storeys plus basement and penthouse totalling 30,700 square feet housing new Biomolecular and Polymer research laboratories and associated offices, state-of-the-art 700MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Lab, Instrument Rooms and Protein Preparation Room, Computer Server Room, and meeting/seminar rooms linking to the existing ANB Building. Penthouse Mechanical Room above the Building Addition houses the new mechanical equipment serving the new facilities.
• Special construction features include raised floor computer room, refrigerated cold room lab, non-magnetic materials within NMR machine gauss line limits, low vibration NMR foundations. Room environment for the NMR machine required low velocity air movement, tight temperature fluctuation tolerances, and emergency alarm and venting system.
• New laboratory systems include dual high plume fan manifold fume exhaust for 27 variable volume fume hoods, new variable volume air handler, DDC controls for the building environmental conditions and laboratory room pressurization, reverse osmosis water, compressed air, individual air powered vacuum pumps, nitrogen booster compressor and distribution, argon manifold and distribution, natural gas, and domestic water services to lab benches and fume hoods.
• Meeting/seminar room systems include variable air volume cooling and steam to hot water heating system for radiant ceiling panels. A new security system as well as data/voice infrastructure was implemented for the new facility.
• Renovation work to the existing Chemistry Wing included 3 rooms for two 200MHz, one 300MHz and one 500MHz relocated NMR machines as well as one new 600MHz and provision for a future 500MHz NMR machine. New support offices were created and new chilled water air conditioning, nitrogen, compressed air and electrical services provided. One laboratory renovation involved a new Mass Spectrometer and related equipment as well as a support office. Air conditioning and process cooling water, nitrogen, compressed air and electrical piping services were provided.