New England Best Projects
Award of Merit Interior/Tenant Improvement: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Cell & Gene Therapy Fit-out at Innovation Square
Courtesy of Consigli Construction Co.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cell & Gene Therapy Fit-out at Innovation Square
Boston
Award of Merit
Submitted By: Consigli Construction Co.
Owner: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Lead Design Firm: Tria Design
Construction Manager: Consigli Construction Co.
Structural Engineer: McNamara Salvia
MEP Engineer: BR+A
Process Architect | Engineer: BR+A
When COVID-19, supply chain issues and other factors threatened this 203,000-sq-ft R&D fit-out, the project team collaborated on alternatives to keep it on track. Designed to foster creativity and efficiency in the development of transformative medicines for serious illnesses, the project provides open, collaborative office space and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural light.
Incorporating manufacturing into a building prescribed for labs required expanded floor heights, added utilities and new approvals. Value engineering and expanded equipment sourcing identified ways to stay within the budget estimate, while contractor coordination ensured construction could meet an aggressive schedule.
BIM use improved coordinated design and construction and reduced equipment changes after procurement. Subcontractors were picked prior to release of trade-specific drawings, with detailed scope given to identify best value and lessen risk of firms omitting scope items to lower cost proposals. Locked-in MEP and fire protection system prices drove design to a targeted value that boosted the schedule and enabled the owner to make informed early stage decisions.
Incentives to team members improved jobsite safety while the user communication strategy maximized response to future needs after building turnover. The project finished 40 days ahead of target and under budget. Its onsite photovoltaic array will benefit Boston air quality by removing 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.
