Ipsen

Research and Development Center

Project at a Glance
Location

Cambridge, MA

Architect

Payette

Project Overview

  • Compressed design and construction schedule to accommodate Owner requirements
  • Coordination of specialized trades, including extensive pre-fabrication
  • Creation of multiple laboratory zones that can accommodate various research activities

Ipsen, a global specialty pharmaceutical company providing healthcare solutions to over 115 countries, desired a presence in the life sciences hub of Kendall Square to conduct their cutting-edge research. They selected 650 East Kendall as the location to construct a 44,000 sq. ft. laboratory that houses four major program areas for Ipsen: compound discovery, translational sciences, biology in vitro endocrinology and biology in vivo endo. The new space accommodates multiple 24/7 operational labs and personnel workspaces, scientific equipment, vivarium, clean rooms and cell culture labs.

With this facility requiring complex M/E/P systems, the team utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) extensively in the pre-construction phase to ensure proper installation of the systems and equipment required by multi-zoned laboratories and disparate research activities. The accelerated schedule required the early procurement of key components such as steel, millwork, M/E/P equipment and lab casework to achieve all milestones. Our self-perform craftsmen managed carpentry, finishes, doors, hardware, millwork and other specialty trades in order to expedite the schedule, control costs and ensure high quality installations.