With over 120,000 gross square feet, the California Institute for Telecommunications and Technology, also known as Calit2, is a premier facility for the study of nanosystems technology and other related fields. This DBIA award-winning project at UC Irvine makes it possible to develop integrated nano-systems instrumentation, in turn, to enable genomic and proteomic research.

The Calit2 project is a concrete structure consisting of research laboratories, administrative and support space dedicated to UC Irvine faculty, students, and research professionals. The larger of the two wings houses most of the wet and dry labs, with levels 1 & 2 classified as high-hazard occupancy. Level 1 includes approximately 12,000 square feet of Class 1,000 and Class 10,000 clean rooms for nanoscale fabrication with an additional 11,000 square feet of support space. The smaller wing includes an 80-person lecture hall, a media arts studio, and flexible lab and office space on the upper two floors.

During the design phase, PCL discovered that the lab equipment was taller than the planned space, posing challenges for maintenance. To address this, PCL redesigned the layout by eliminating the interstitial deck, mounting equipment under the second-level deck, and implementing a walkable ceiling grid system over the clean rooms. This solution maintained the original floor-to-floor height and enhanced future equipment accessibility for university personnel.

Near the end of the design phase, the team conducted multiple design meetings with major subcontractors, architects, engineers, users, and UCI staff to explore opportunities to drive efficiency. This effort resulted in additional savings of more than $250,000.  

Early in the project, the schedule was threatened by the discovery of asbestos-containing transite pipes which potentially could be contaminating the surrounding soil. The team swiftly and safely removed the pipes and soil tests fortunately passed inspection, sparing costly remediation. While there were originally concerns about the facility’s location on a fault line, PCL worked with a geologist to confirm that the line was no longer active and that construction could move forward.  

Relentless water seepage from the soil also proved an issue. By adding a sub-slab drainage system and cut-off drain, and strategically rearranging the work sequence to ensure the slab on grade was poured last, PCL not only resolved the water issue but also remained firmly on schedule and budget.

The PCL team was able to deliver this project on time and on budget, finding ways with design partners to enhance this innovative facility, thus bringing the Calit2 Program national prominence in the world of nanosystems technology and research. A true win-win scenario for the client that has helped nurture a long-lasting relationship.