Projects - Texas Children's Hospital Neurological Research Institute
Houston, Texas
This project involved the addition of a new 13 level, 450,000 square foot dedicated research facility for state-of-the-art pediatric investigation with special emphasis on neurology.
The vivarium portion of the project is on the second and third levels of the facility totaling approximately 30,000 square feet. The space includes thirty six procedure rooms, one viral procedure room, eight animal holding rooms, a 7,000 square foot sterilization area with dirty and clean wash rooms, quarantine areas as well as administrative support areas featuring a large conferencing area, lounge and break areas, locker rooms, offices, and computer support spaces.
Vivarium equipment includes a cage and rack washer, freezers, two large bulk two-door sterilizers, a tunnel washer, a bottle washer, and thirty five fume hoods.
The critical nature of the research undertaken is illustrated by the fact that with the exception of the 3,500 square foot administrative area, the entire floor is provided with one hundred percent emergency lighting and power electrical backup systems. The HVAC system utilizes variable frequency drives to maximize energy efficiency by automatically tracking supply air and exhaust air control valves to maintain the critical vivarium pressure relationships.