The Physical Sciences Building at the University of California, Santa Cruz is a new 4-story teaching and research laboratory building. Programmed to house classrooms, laboratories, offices, conference and seminar rooms and support space for UCSC’s Engineering, Environmental Toxicology, and Chemistry programs spanning 144,000 total square feet. The expected construction completion date is set for 2005. TDE provided Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing design for the mixed-use space comprising of classrooms, laboratories, office, conference/seminar, and support space for Engineering, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry programs.

A variety of air handling systems were designed for the building for use in the classrooms, offices and laboratory environments. Ventilation in perimeter offices and other areas where applicable are provided by natural ventilation. Larger room ventilation is assisted by mechanical systems. Mechanical cooling was found to be unnecessary. The southeast wing has an exhaust system for nighttime pre-cooling and is automatically controlled based on internal and external temperature and time of day. Where possible thermally massive surfaces were left exposed to the room air assist in cooling the spaces. Laboratory air systems provide 100% outside air &100% exhaust to prevent the recirculation of contaminants.