Located in the bustling biotech and life sciences hub of Waltham, Massachusetts, 103 CityPoint is a state-of-the-art facility designed to house laboratory, cGMP manufacturing, and office spaces under one roof. Developed by Boston Properties (BXP) and designed by TRIA, the building’s innovative layout reflects an industry trend: consolidating research, development and manufacturing operations to foster efficiency, collaboration and speed-to-market. 

CHALLENGE

BXP set out to redefine conventional life sciences facilities by seamlessly integrating diverse functions in a single building. Their vision: a multifunctional, adaptable space that would foster innovation and support various tenant needs—whether for labs, manufacturing, or offices. Yet, achieving this level of flexibility presented unique challenges: balancing functional requirements with modern design, meeting stringent energy codes, and attaining LEED certification, all while optimizing the indoor environment for occupant well-being. 

SOLUTION 

To address these challenges, Kingspan Light + Air’s UniQuad® and PentaClad™ systems were integral to the building’s design.  

The UniQuad® translucent wall system delivers abundant, glare-free daylight to office and lab areas, significantly enhancing indoor lighting quality while reducing dependency on electric lighting. This system contributed to the building’s energy efficiency and helped secure its LEED Silver certification. 

PentaClad™ translucent cladding was selected for its versatility and ability to complement the aesthetic of the UniQuad® system, enhancing the more industrial, non-conditioned sections of the facility and helping bring the two spaces together. The modern look of the translucent wall systems during daytime hours is accentuated even more by the integration of LED lighting that allows for eye-catching light displays, creating a welcoming and playful exterior that blends the two different translucent panel sections and sets the stage for the building's innovative interior environment. 

RESULTS

103 CityPoint stands as an energy-efficient, visually compelling facility, offering unique and adaptable spaces for life sciences tenants, with Kingspan Light + Air’s UniQuad® system playing a vital role in enhancing occupant comfort and reducing energy costs, accentuated with PentaClad™ cladding to achieve a modern, cohesive aesthetic. 

“This facility embodies the innovation and collaboration needed in today’s life sciences world. By integrating research, development, and manufacturing into one flexible space, we’ve created a facility that can evolve with our tenants’ needs. The daylighting systems not only enhanced the building’s sustainability but also helped us create a bright, inviting atmosphere for the cutting-edge work taking place here.” — Dan Szczebak, Principal-in-Charge, TRIA 

Project Name: 103 CityPoint, Waltham, Massachusetts 

Client: BXP Development 

Challenge: Develop a versatile facility that integrates laboratory, cGMP manufacturing, and office spaces while meeting strict energy and design standards. 

Results: A visually striking, adaptable facility that maximizes natural daylight through advanced daylighting systems, creating a bright, energy-efficient space for various tenants. 

Product: UniQuad® Translucent Wall Systems and PentaClad™ Translucent Cladding 

Installer: Lymo Construction 

GC: Commodore Builders  

Architect: TRIA