Edwards Lifesciences Campus Expansion, Ph. 1
Edwards Lifesciences Campus Expansion, Ph. 1 | Irvine, California
Phase 1 included over 202,000 sq. ft. of site improvements, and both core-and-shell construction construction and tenant improvements of a two-story entry and museum totaling 15,000 sq. ft., a three-story lab and office building (Dream Big Center) totaling 245,300 sq. ft., as well as a two-story cafeteria and conference building totaling 66,000 sq. ft. All are connected by elevated bridges and interspersed with high-quality indoor and outdoor amenity spaces for Edwards employees.
About the
Project
The Entry Pavilion and Museum building serves as the new main entrance to the campus, featuring two motorized Nanawall doors and an operable skylight that are all connected to the building maintenance system, and a custom "credo wall" installation which DPR self-performed. The building was designed by LPA to be Net Zero and achieved LEED Platinum.
Dream Big Center tenant improvements consisted of two different scopes of work, the first being high-end finishes, two rooftop terraces with solar shade structures, and collaboration/entertainment spaces. The second, designed by SmithGroup, included laboratory space and includes 33,000 sq. ft. of research & development labs. The Dream Big Center achieved LEED Gold certification.
The
Challenges
Utility Work next to Active Operations
Phase 1 required underground excavation and utility installation directly adjacent to the campus’s main heart valve production facility. The area had numerous unmarked and abandoned utility lines that needed to be identified and removed.
Technically Demanding Amenity Spaces
The Dream Big Center’s rooftop patio features a large shade trellis with a PV solar array and several other systems requiring power, including heaters, speakers, fans, Wi-Fi access points, and security cameras. Its design called for all wire to be hidden within the tube-steel frame, creating a demanding installation and testing process. Also, the design of the slanted deck beneath the patio's raised pavers created challenges for water-proofing.
High-end, Custom Finishes
The Entry Pavilion's "credo wall" required highly technical drywall and custom millwork to realize the owner's vision. Several iterations were completed, involving different sizes and weights of inset letters, to acheive the desired look and feel. Also, in the adjacent corridor, all above-ceiling MEP and fire systems had to fit into tight linear openings to achieve a clean finish.
The
Challenges
Utility Work next to Active Operations
Phase 1 required underground excavation and utility installation directly adjacent to the campus’s main heart valve production facility. The area had numerous unmarked and abandoned utility lines that needed to be identified and removed.
Technically Demanding Amenity Spaces
The Dream Big Center’s rooftop patio features a large shade trellis with a PV solar array and several other systems requiring power, including heaters, speakers, fans, Wi-Fi access points, and security cameras. Its design called for all wire to be hidden within the tube-steel frame, creating a demanding installation and testing process. Also, the design of the slanted deck beneath the patio's raised pavers created challenges for water-proofing.
High-end, Custom Finishes
The Entry Pavilion's "credo wall" required highly technical drywall and custom millwork to realize the owner's vision. Several iterations were completed, involving different sizes and weights of inset letters, to acheive the desired look and feel. Also, in the adjacent corridor, all above-ceiling MEP and fire systems had to fit into tight linear openings to achieve a clean finish.
The
Solutions
Well-Mapped, Coordinated, and Executed Utility Work
Through a combination of daily coordination with the facilities group, night-shift work, and meticulous utility potholing and mapping, DPR was able to locate and reroute utilities without causing major unplanned disruptions to campus.
Planning, Collaboration Across Trades
To install all systems on the trellis cleanly, safely, and in proper sequence required collaboration, not only with trade partners, but with the architect, local fire authority, and equipment manufacturers. DPR’s VDC and self-perform teams were instrumental in modeling a clash-free environment, creating mockups to control technical and aesthetic quality, and then installing each piece of the puzzle as designed. For the sloped deck, our self-perform concrete team performed extensive prep work needed to move forward with waterproofing, sloping concrete in multiple phases to account for curbs and planters.
Self-Perform Skill + Close Coordination with Owner, Trade Partners
DPR's self-perform team worked closely with Edwards to ensure the final credo wall met expectations. Our interiors team performed drywall work to create a seamless transition with the custom lettering, as well as all framing and drywall for Building A. This included concealing all ceiling devices exept within the narrow, linear light coves in the adjacent corridor. We performed all MEPF coordination leading up to this work, allowing for no additional penetrations and a clean finish. Acoustical panel ceilings were also self-performed for procurement and installation.
The
Solutions
Well-Mapped, Coordinated, and Executed Utility Work
Through a combination of daily coordination with the facilities group, night-shift work, and meticulous utility potholing and mapping, DPR was able to locate and reroute utilities without causing major unplanned disruptions to campus.
Planning, Collaboration Across Trades
To install all systems on the trellis cleanly, safely, and in proper sequence required collaboration, not only with trade partners, but with the architect, local fire authority, and equipment manufacturers. DPR’s VDC and self-perform teams were instrumental in modeling a clash-free environment, creating mockups to control technical and aesthetic quality, and then installing each piece of the puzzle as designed. For the sloped deck, our self-perform concrete team performed extensive prep work needed to move forward with waterproofing, sloping concrete in multiple phases to account for curbs and planters.
Self-Perform Skill + Close Coordination with Owner, Trade Partners
DPR's self-perform team worked closely with Edwards to ensure the final credo wall met expectations. Our interiors team performed drywall work to create a seamless transition with the custom lettering, as well as all framing and drywall for Building A. This included concealing all ceiling devices exept within the narrow, linear light coves in the adjacent corridor. We performed all MEPF coordination leading up to this work, allowing for no additional penetrations and a clean finish. Acoustical panel ceilings were also self-performed for procurement and installation.
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