Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory located in Berkeley, CA, is a ground-up, modernization and seismic, Type I concrete laboratory project. The project included the new construction of a General Purposes Lab, a three-story building, modernization and lab build-out of an existing Life Sciences building, seismic slope stabilization for the existing Hazardous Waste Handling facility B85, and the demolition of several other structures deemed seismically unsafe. The Earth Sciences building included wet and dry laboratories, laboratory support, offices, and new building support spaces.

Due to the space constraints imposed by the adjacent terrain, Webcor constructed the CUP on two levels and required the partial excavation of a hillside. To overcome this challenge, Webcor utilized Building Information Modeling that included a Level of Development of 400, which allowed the team to use minimum tolerances in placing equipment, detailing piping and conduit, and account for required clearances. This level of detail was necessary to not only optimize the space requirements of the CUP, but also to ensure that all required clearances were provided in all three dimensions.

Additionally, by using a highly detailed BIM model, Webcor was able to address operations and maintenance considerations during design – for example, Webcor’s BIM model helped optimize the ability to access equipment, have enough space to remove and replace equipment, and have enough light to see what needed to be operated or maintained.

The project achieved two LEED Certifications: LEED Platinum for Building 74 and LEED Gold for Buildings 25 and 33

Webcor self-performed carpentry on the project.