Sustainable Research Facility Architecture: Science Research Center at University of Connecticut by Payette

The Science Research Center at the University of Connecticut, designed by Payette in 2023, is a landmark in sustainable research facility architecture. Known as Science 1, this 198,000-square-foot academic building is the centerpiece of the University’s new 22-acre Northwest Science Quad District. Dedicated to interdisciplinary research in materials science and engineering, the facility is the first large-scale realization of the campus master plan’s vision for integrated stormwater capture and treatment.

Integrating Building and Landscape

From the project’s inception, the site and building were conceived as a unified whole. Science 1 sits within a thoughtfully designed landscape framework, featuring interconnected cascading bioretention areas and a meandering footpath. This holistic approach enhances both environmental performance and campus identity, reflecting the University’s dual commitment to STEM excellence and environmental stewardship. The integration of site and architecture has earned the building LEED Gold and SITES Silver certifications.

Functional Zoning and Design Strategy

Partially embedded into a hillside, the building’s public spaces occupy the ground floor, offering views over stormwater gardens. The upper floors house advanced research laboratories that overlook undisturbed forest, balancing functionality with a connection to nature. Recognizing that traditional laboratories can feel isolating, the design incorporates a social framework where collaboration is actively encouraged.

Innovative Research Neighborhoods

Science 1’s laboratories are organized into four double-height skylit neighborhoods, each with panoramic views of native woodland. Every lab is paired with a semi-private desk room, functioning like a “front porch” where informal interaction can occur. Bridges and pathways weave between these neighborhoods, creating natural meeting points for collaboration and social exchange.

Light, Materiality, and Atmosphere

Natural daylight shapes the experience of the building, streaming through skylights and sliding along tall interior walls. Views of the surrounding landscape serve as a constant reminder of time and season. The material palette—green tones, warm woods, and organic forms—creates a calming atmosphere, punctuated with bursts of color that evoke scientific specimens.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The Science Research Center employs a wide range of passive and renewable strategies, achieving a 79% reduction in overall energy use. Dedicated outside air systems ensure optimal indoor air quality, while hydronic systems—radiant ceiling panels in offices and active chilled beams in labs—maximize efficiency. The building features high-efficiency fume hoods, a heat-pump chiller to reuse waste heat, and a glycol heat recovery system. A 521 kW rooftop photovoltaic array offsets roughly 14% of the building’s energy demand. The triple-pane glazed envelope further enhances thermal performance.

A Model for Future Academic Facilities

Science 1 at the University of Connecticut demonstrates how sustainable research facility architecture can balance cutting-edge scientific needs with environmental responsibility. By merging innovative lab design, daylight-rich interiors, and landscape-integrated stormwater systems, Payette has created a model for future academic research environments.

All photographs are works of Robert Benson