Innovation Research Park Vivarium | Old Dominion University

Design of the approximately 12,000 square foot vivarium includes procedure rooms, a surgery suite, animal imaging facilities, holding rooms, and a cage wash facility.

The Innovation Research Park provides emerging life sciences research space and has become a powerful economic engine for the Norfolk area. When it came time to perform sensitive structural modifications to accommodate a new vivarium in the Building II of that complex, developer Wexford Science + Technology, LLC and Nalls Architecture, Inc. turned to Keast & Hood for its expertise in delicate structural interventions. The vivarium houses a variety of small animals and swine.

Structurally, floors had to be evaluated for the loading imposed by the intensive use of masonry partitions within the suite; floors had to be cut open and steel beams reconfigured to enable installation of new drainage channels in animal holding and cage-washing areas; and a host of new medical and MEP equipment had to be supported within the space and on the roof.

Design of the approximately 12,000 square foot vivarium includes procedure rooms, a surgery suite, animal imaging facilities, holding rooms, and a cage wash facility.

The Innovation Research Park provides emerging life sciences research space and has become a powerful economic engine for the Norfolk area. When it came time to perform sensitive structural modifications to accommodate a new vivarium in the Building II of that complex, developer Wexford Science + Technology, LLC and Nalls Architecture, Inc. turned to Keast & Hood for its expertise in delicate structural interventions. The vivarium houses a variety of small animals and swine.

Structurally, floors had to be evaluated for the loading imposed by the intensive use of masonry partitions within the suite; floors had to be cut open and steel beams reconfigured to enable installation of new drainage channels in animal holding and cage-washing areas; and a host of new medical and MEP equipment had to be supported within the space and on the roof.

CLIENT: UJMN Architects + Designers with Nalls Architecture, Inc.
LOCATION: Norfolk, VA

TYPE: Academic, Laboratory, SERVICES: New Construction, Structural Intervention, MATERIALS: Steel, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exterior photograph courtesy UJMN

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