Gilead Sciences Laboratory

For one of the United States’ largest pharmaceutical companies to expand its reach into Canada, it needed a world-class facility. The laboratory would need to house more than 300 scientists and researchers, all working to improve patient care, provide ingredients for clinical trials, and streamline the low-cost manufacture of investigational treatments.

The key for the design team was balancing contemporary design, energy efficiency and functionality. A four-storey concrete structure was built in two phases, with laboratories, lab support and office spaces, and meeting areas. A high-performance building envelope wraps the building, significantly reducing energy usage and operational costs.

Fast + Epp chose a concrete flat slab system to maximize headroom and allow for a simpler mechanical and electrical layout. To create a warm, contemporary aesthetic in communal spaces such as the lunchroom, we used exposed glulam columns and beams with a solid wood ceiling.