Lexington, MA – Life sciences construction manager BW Kennedy & Co. teamed with Vivo Architecture to create a 35,000sf facility for Braskem America at the Lex Labs Campus at 10 Maguire Road in Lexington.
Braskem America focuses on improving lives by creating sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics. The new space, comprised of office and laboratory areas, will serve as Braskem’s Renewable Innovation Center.
The program for the Renewable Innovation Center was divided into 70% lab and 30% office space, with an initial occupancy of approximately 50 people and projected to increase to about 75 in the future. Research areas include the Biotech Lab, Synthesis Lab, Evaluation Labs, and Analytical labs. The lab program was placed on the north facing portion of the building due to the smaller existing punched out windows. The office support areas were located facing the existing floor-to-ceiling curtainwall on the south side.
The BW Kennedy construction team completed this project utilizing their in-house design build methodology. The mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems were all designed and installed by the firm’s MEP/FP partners on the project. BW Kennedy conducted a full evaluation of the existing building and brought in new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure including new domestic and fire water.
Catalysis lab
The concept for the building consists of blending comfort with showcasing the brand of Braskem. The design follows a consistent branding guideline with the use of approved colors, warm wood tones, soft textures and locations for signage and graphics. Instead of the traditional signage when entering the reception, Braskem wanted it to be a part of the design and blend. The reception design is greatly influenced by the “B” of Braskem, created in a custom wood feature wall. The finishes for the open office were selected to keep the space neutral and let the branded accent of green, orange, blue and purple be the focal point. A moveable wall was installed between the boardroom and the cafe to allow for large collaboration events. The main research lab was positioned adjacent to the office separated by glass, for both physical and visual connectivity.
The lab spaces, consisting of biotechnology, catalysis and synthesis labs, are built out with 32 bench and walk in fume hoods ranging from 5 feet to 16 feet wide, a gas storage room and shed comprised of 13 specialty gases, and multiple bio safety cabinets, freezers and lab benches and tables. To support Braskem’s operations, a new PH pit, RO skid and glass washroom were also installed in the lab areas.
BW Kennedy oversaw the complex build-out with construction occurring at the occupied campus as tenants in connected buildings continued to operate as normal. The construction team managed the Braskem project while completing two other buildings along with the interior fit-outs and revamping the courtyard and amenities center on the campus as well.
The construction of the innovation center commenced in March 2023 and was completed 14 months later. The BW Kennedy construction team was able to meet Braskem’s demand for office space by turning over the office area seven months after the start of construction.
