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Arbutus BioPharma North American R&D Headquarters

Arbutus Biopharma, an emerging biotech company dedicated to finding a cure for chronic hepatitis B infection, sought to relocate their North American R&D Headquarters in order to accommodate their growing operations. JacobsWyper Architects, working closely with design/builder The Norwood Company, helped Arbutus renovate their new Warminster, PA facility to house chemistry and
biology research laboratories, as well as administrative offices. The building’s existing interior layout was heavily modified to emphasize openness and crosscollaboration, in order to accelerate scientific discoveries.


Separate-yet-adjacent biology and chemistry lab suites allow scientists to work closely with one another, while maintaining necessary procedural separation. Chemistry labs feature tall ceilings and a mixture of fixed casework and mobile
elements, and biology labs are designed to Bio-Safety Level 2 guidelines, including a dedicated entrance with gowning space and easily-cleanable finishes. To maximize daylight as well as views to the outside, both lab groups were strategically located along the exterior wall, and perimeter offices received glazed fronts. The open plan office area includes shared huddle rooms, phone rooms, and communal spaces intended to minimize distractions and promote collaboration.

Location

Warminster, Pennsylvania

Size

35,500 SF

Project Principal

Jamie Doran