MBH Architects, an award-winning architecture and design firm headquartered in Alameda, CA, announces the completion of MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan Avenue, a 152,660-square-foot incubator laboratory and office building in the heart of the Bay Area’s life science corridor. Developed in partnership with Dewey Land Co., Inc. and MBC BioLabs, the three-story facility with basement opened in April 2025 and marks the newest and largest addition to the growing San Carlos campus.

MBH served as Design Architect and Architect of Record for the new construction project, which extends MBC BioLabs’ established incubator model—an approach that has supported the launch of more than 500 biotech companies worldwide. The 1030 Brittan building significantly increases campus capacity, enabling more than 100 emerging life science companies to operate under one roof.

Expanding an Established Incubator Model

Founded to remove traditional barriers such as long-term leases and capital-intensive lab buildouts, MBC BioLabs provides early-stage companies with immediate access to fully equipped laboratory and office space. The 1030 Brittan facility reinforces that mission by delivering move-in-ready labs and flexible workspaces within a cohesive campus environment.

The building aligns architecturally with the adjacent 930 Brittan structure while introducing a more refined material palette that reflects the continued evolution of the MBC BioLabs brand.

A Defined Arrival and Campus Presence

Elevated above grade to address floodplain requirements, the building establishes a strong presence along Brittan Avenue. Custom GFRC cladding, expansive glazing, and a 45-foot-high open-air entry stair define the arrival experience. Wood fins and sculptural lighting accent the stair, creating a visible and active threshold into the campus.

Shared Space at the Core

At the center of the building, the second floor functions as a social and intellectual commons. A continuous sequence of shared spaces—including lobby, all-hands area, kitchen, lounges, and south-facing roof terraces—supports gathering and exchange among resident companies.

A large bifolding door connects the central kitchen and event space to the outdoors, creating a flexible indoor–outdoor setting for meetings, presentations, and informal collaboration.

Turnkey Laboratories Designed for Flexibility

Across all three floors, fully equipped laboratory suites support MBC BioLabs’ turnkey model. Open labs with benching, fume hoods, and freezer capacity are paired with adjacent private labs and offices, allowing teams to transition easily between experimentation and focused work. Phone booths, conference rooms, and clear circulation paths accommodate a range of work styles.

Material Expression and Technical Coordination

The architectural language balances the performance requirements of laboratory environments with a measured sense of warmth. Exposed concrete structure and systems are complemented by rift-sawn white oak, custom acoustical treatments, integrated graphics, and layered lighting.

Lighting design, developed in collaboration with ALR, incorporates fixtures from Fluxworks, Bega, Delta Light, and Lumos to support both laboratory precision and workplace comfort.

Behind the scenes, the project required robust mechanical and electrical systems to meet the demands of incubator laboratories. A design-build MEP approach, closely coordinated between MBH and contractors, supports high-efficiency HVAC, optimized ventilation for safety and performance, and infrastructure capable of accommodating tenant turnover and evolving research needs.

Supporting a Growing Campus

The completion of 1030 Brittan Avenue represents a significant step in the continued growth of the MBC BioLabs San Carlos campus. By combining high-performance laboratories with collaboration-focused amenities and a cohesive architectural identity, the project establishes a new anchor within the campus and expands capacity for emerging life science companies.

For MBH Architects, the project reflects an integrated approach to life science design—bringing together technical coordination, architectural clarity, and campus continuity in support of scientific research and entrepreneurship.

For more information about MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan and MBH Architects, visit www.mbharch.com.