News: Construction Design & Engineering

OLSON LEWIS + Architects and PIDC Construction complete renovation of Aspen Aerogels’ 28,000 s/f laboratory space

Photo credit: Warren Patterson Photography

Northborough, MA Aspen Aerogels, Inc. hired OLSON LEWIS + Architects and PIDC Construction to renovate its 28,000 s/f laboratory space into a new Aspen Aerogels Technology Center.

The renovation of the 28,000 s/f laboratory space into the Aspen Aerogels Technology Center is a testament to a commitment to innovation. The project has transformed the existing building into a hub of sustainability and electrification solutions, featuring a variety of laboratory spaces, offices, testing, and prototyping facilities. The updated space also includes a reception, a large cafe, gathering spaces, reservable virtual meeting rooms, open offices, and a large meeting room designed to foster collaboration and creativity. These updates, including branded environmental graphics, have not only transformed the look and feel of the space but also aligned it with the Aspen Aerogels brand.

Photo credit: Warren Patterson Photography

The successful completion of the Aspen Aerogels Technology Center is the result of a strong partnership between Aspen Aerogels, OLSON LEWIS + Architects, and PIDC Construction. The design team, in close collaboration with the Aspen Aerogels team, defined the project’s program requirements and completed multiple test fits with required specific program adjacencies and mechanical requirements. This collaborative approach ensured that the final design met the needs of Aspen Aerogels and its stakeholders. 

OLSON LEWIS + Architects designed the project with sustainability in mind, including the various finish products, from low-VOC paint to recycled products. In collaboration with PIDC, the team was able to source salvaged frameless glass wall system components and light fixtures from other renovations in the collaborator’s concurrent projects. The design-build team enabled this intentional materials specification and circular economy adaptive reuse, contributing to the project’s success and meeting financial and environmental goals.

Photo credit: Warren Patterson Photography

Sustainable Innovation
Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The company’s aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen’s PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle (EV) market. Aspen Battery Materials, the company’s carbon aerogel initiative, seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of EVs. The company’s Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world’s largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen’s strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets.

Project Team:
• Aspen Aerogels, Inc. - Owner;
• OLSON LEWIS + Architects - Architect, Interior Design, Environmental Graphics;
• PIDC Construction - General Contractor;
• Environmental Systems, Inc. - Mechanical Contractor and Engineer;
• Electrical Systems Engineering, Inc. - Electrical Engineers;
• Engineered Systems, Inc. - Plumbing and Fire Protection;
• Code Red Consultants - Code Consultants; and
• Exposure Lighting - Lighting, Controls, & Electrical Representative.

 

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

Weston & Sampson earns award from ACEC for Arlington DPW job

Arlington, MA Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA).
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.
Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

October is Careers in Construction Month, and rarely has it been more consequential. According to our chapter’s national parent organization, the construction industry needs to attract half-a-million new workers in the coming year to meet demand. Addressing that need is a huge job, but we at ABC MA are trying to do our part.
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups.