Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with multiple Divisions around the country, including one in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (DVBID) lab focuses on viral and bacterial diseases transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas, providing diagnostic assistance for samples received from around the world. The lab facilities are specialized, to support research, and ensure biological safety.
This project was a buildout of shelled space for the 1st and 2nd floors within Building 401. It was initially designed to be a laboratory space with 100% outside air and exhaust. The design worked within the existing mechanical infrastructure to convert the space to offices. Project challenges included maintaining the proper air pressure relationships between the office space and adjacent laboratory spaces. The use of air-locks between areas was utilized for maintaining correct pressure levels between the spaces. Air balancing and coordination with the building automation system was required to open/close dampers based on operating modes of the building, including occupied, unoccupied, and emergency modes.
