TRIUMF (TRI-University Meson Facility) is one of the world’s leading subatomic physics laboratories.

It brings together dedicated physicists and interdisciplinary talent, sophisticated technical resources and commercial partners in a way that has established the laboratory as a global model of success. ARIEL is an integrated component of TRIUMF, its job is to implement the mission of TRIUMF as a leader in the world of particle physics research. TRIUMF wanted to create a contemporary image that reflects their leadership position.

So the new building is much more than just a shelter for a machine. It embraces the aesthetic, social and ecological aspects of TRIUMF and contributes to UBC as a whole. They’ve dubbed their new facility – “gateway to the universe”.

ARIEL is unique, as the building itself is one of the many components of the machine. And it’s strongly influenced by the geometry of the beam lines associated with the e-linac and Cyclotron, and the technical requirements of both the space and safety. The main space in the building is the Target Hall, centrally located at the terminus of the beamline tunnel at the Target Pit. A remote controlled crane is provided to move heavy targets and other components necessary for the installation of the hot cells and operations within Target Hall.

This new research building uses a design/build/operate and maintain for 30 years projects delivery model. To clarify, the University of Washington owns the building, but the DBOM team provides the finished building with tenant improvements. A highly flexible design facilitates tenants of varying space requirements and science needs. Initial tenants include nano systems, mind brain and learning photonics, genome technology, biosensors, and energy research with specialized equipment such as MRI and NMR machines. The project was in collaboration with Collins Woerman Architects. CTA has been the go-to consultant for several user fit-outs. The building has been certified LEED Gold.

The client said:

“We are proud of our facility, and after 2 years of occupancy, there are no second thoughts about design. This is a tribute to Chernoff Thompson and their experience in lab design and supporting commitments to their clients.”

E. Virginia Armbrust, Director, Centre for Environmental Genomics

The third in a series of multi-tenant research buildings by Discovery Parks Trust Incorporated on the campus of the University of British Columbia, this one’s the biggest.

This 6-storey building provides space for a wide range of wet labs, and office and information technology tenants. The design of the building systems and planning of floor plates result in efficient service connections and space layouts. Tenants include emerging biotech companies, a bioinformatics company, University Liaison office, retail at grade and UBC academic users, all leasing on a commercial basis. The facility was the first LEED Silver certified laboratory building in the country.