Kendall/Heaton Associates

This 150,000 square feet university research laboratory and 40,000 general use classroom facility is located at a key site at the western edge of campus at the intersection of Cullen Boulevard, Holman Street and Entrance 14. The new buildings are carefully configured and sited to preserve existing green space, avoid construction over existing utility tunnels and create appropriate relationships with existing buildings.

The new 550 person Auditorium is positioned to provide a new architectural focal point for the terminus of Holman Street and a prominent entrance off Cullen Boulevard.

The project is actually two distinct buildings linked by a sweeping exterior arcade that also connects adjacent existing buildings, forming a new academic courtyard. This concept allows the classroom and laboratory components to optimize their distinct uses as building forms and create a very dynamic assemblage of structures.

The modular design of the five-story laboratory building provides a flexible planning framework for the Science Department and Engineering Department research laboratories housed in the building. High ceilings and access to daylight provide a pleasant working environment, and impressive views of the downtown Houston skyline. Each floor is provided with ample office space for faculty and research staff.

The Project location, program, configuration, composition and materials provide a truly functional, distinctive and memorable new building for the campus of the University of Houston.