Late last month, the startup oncology company Umoja Biopharma and CRB Group, a sustainable AEC and consulting firm, started construction on the fitout of a 146,000-sf building in Louisville, Colo.
CRB, whose practices include Biotech, food and beverage, pharma, and Science + Technology, is transforming the existing building into highly flexible and scalable manufacturing, lab, office, and warehouse space. The design focuses on integrating LEED criteria and zero-carbon emissions to meet Umoja’s sustainability goals. The project is in two phases, and should be completed by October.
What makes this project different is the application of CRB’s ONEsolution delivery approach, where the firm—whose services include architecture, engineering, construction, and consultation—will take the fitout from its initial planning to operational readiness. CRB, with 18 offices in North America and two in Europe, espouses the principles of Integrated Project Delivery, and uses lean construction tools to align stakeholders on all aspects of the project.
ONEsolution is “key” to “creating a collaborative environment” with clients like Umoja, says Colton Konkak, CRB Group’s Colorado Market Team Leader, who spoke with BD+C last week about this project. He explains that the advantages of ONEsolution include early cost and scheduling certainty without any loss of design or construction integrity, “which is important for a startup.”
“Working closely with Umoja demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, creativity, and fast project delivery,” says Konkak. “These commitments and goals unified our team members and allowed us to support rapidly changing technology.”
ITS CAST INCLUDES EXPERT EXTRAS
CRB’s M.O. is to hire industy experts as needed on projects. For example, on the Umoja fitout it brought in three local subs: Impact Mechanical for MEP engineering, Kenny Electric for electrical installation, and HTI Labs for laboratory case workstations. “We aren’t bashful, either, about handing over our documents to other AEC firms, to get a second opinion,” says Konkak.
On certain other projects, CRB is dipping its toe into modularization through its SlateXpace multimodal manufacturing system that provides even greater opportunities for speed to market, cost control, and adaptability. Currently it is working with Germfree, which specializes in providing modular biopharma cleanrooms.
Related Stories
Libraries | Jun 21, 2022
Kingston, Ontario, library branch renovation cuts energy use to 55% of benchmark
A recent renovation of the Kingston (Ontario) Frontenac Public Library Central Branch greatly boosted energy and water efficiency while making the facility healthier and safer.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Building Team | Jun 20, 2022
Andres Caballero Appointed President of Uponor North America
Uponor Corporation (Uponor) has named Andres Caballero president of its Building Solutions – North America division and a member of the Executive Committee at Uponor.
| Jun 20, 2022
An architectural view of school safety and security
With threats ranging from severe weather to active shooters, school leaders, designers, and security consultants face many challenges in creating safe environments that allow children to thrive.
School Construction | Jun 20, 2022
A charter high school breaks ground in L.A.’s Koreatown
A new charter school has broken ground in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood.
Building Team | Jun 17, 2022
Data analytics in design and construction: from confusion to clarity and the data-driven future
Data helps virtual design and construction (VDC) teams predict project risks and navigate change, which is especially vital in today’s fluctuating construction environment.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jun 17, 2022
U. of Georgia football facility expansion provides three floors for high-performance training
A major expansion of the University of Georgia’s football training facility has been completed.
Building Team | Jun 16, 2022
Hybrid work expected to reduce office demand by 9%
Businesses are slowly but consistently transitioning to a permanent hybrid work environment, according to a senior economist at Econometric Advisors.
Building Team | Jun 16, 2022
USGBC announces more than 23 million square feet of LEED certified net zero space
Today, the U.S. Green Building Council announced nearly 100 net zero certifications earned under the LEED Zero program, representing more than 23 million square feet of space.
AEC Business Innovation | Jun 15, 2022
Cognitive health takes center stage in the AEC industry
Two prominent architecture firms are looking to build on the industry’s knowledge base on design’s impact on building occupant health and performance with new research efforts.