Down to a Science
How is this net zero incubator space designed to advance lung transplant science, biotech entrepreneurship, and regenerative medicine?
Discovery & Innovation Building
Jacksonville, FL
United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on addressing critical challenges in organ transplantation, partnered with leading medical nonprofits to improve outcomes for patients on the lung transplant waitlist. With nearly 300 people dying each year while waiting for a transplant and only 23% of donated lungs deemed viable, the company needed a facility to support its ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) program—a technology that allows surgeons to reevaluate and potentially recover lungs previously considered unusable.
To support this effort, EwingCole designed a facility that brings together advanced medical technology and biotech entrepreneurship. The building houses an EVLP lung evaluation center, an automated stem cell manufacturing suite, and a life sciences incubator for start-ups and entrepreneurs. Each program plays a role in extending the lives and health of patients with critical conditions.
The design supports clinical, research, and business goals through flexible, high-performance lab spaces and collaborative environments. Entrepreneurs and inventors working onsite can access the infrastructure and partnerships needed to develop life-saving therapies and connect with local and national innovation networks.
Sustainable features include an open-loop geo-exchange system serving a water-to-water heat pump plant, energy recovery on all ventilation air streams, variable airflow perfusion rooms and laboratories, LED lighting with daylight harvesting in office areas, and electrochromic glazing that automatically adjusts to exterior conditions to compensate for heat gain and glare. An 800-kW, canopy-mounted photovoltaic array supports the zero net energy Lung Bioengineering program
By aligning program goals with design strategy, the new facility supports lung transplant innovation, regenerative research, and biotech development in a single integrated space.
