Laboratory Utility Design and Constructability Innovation for Edwards Life Science
Edwards Lifesciences, Orange County’s largest publicly traded company and a global leader in patient-focused medical innovations, expanded its headquarters with the addition of a 52,000-square-foot facility at 3009 Daimler Street. The project transformed 43,904 square feet into state-of-the-art laboratory space supporting advanced research, development, and testing operations.
Delivered under a fast-track, two-phase schedule, the one-year project required over 54,000 man-hours of coordinated effort. Every phase demanded precision planning, disciplined execution, and uncompromising attention to quality to meet the specialized requirements of Edwards’ high-performance lab environments.
Challenge
The existing building infrastructure was not designed to accommodate the scale or complexity of new lab-grade mechanical systems. Integrating advanced HVAC, plumbing, and process systems into the structure required innovative engineering solutions, proactive coordination, and close collaboration with design and structural teams to maintain both performance and schedule integrity.
Solution Delivered
Pacific Rim Mechanical partnered with the design team and structural engineers to develop targeted reinforcements and system reconfigurations that preserved the building’s integrity while meeting stringent technical demands.
Through intensive preconstruction planning and early clash detection, the team identified conflicts, refined layouts, and sequenced work to minimize disruptions.
Key highlights included the installation of approximately 2,000 linear feet of welded 304 stainless steel ductwork, totaling more than 80,000 pounds, all fabricated and installed to exacting cleanliness and performance standards.
Scope of Work
The project encompassed multiple high-performance systems engineered to meet the precise environmental and operational needs of Edwards Lifesciences:
- HVAC Systems: New air handlers, exhaust systems, condensing boilers, critical room controls, and humidifiers to maintain research-grade environmental stability.
- Plumbing Systems: Complete sanitary replacement, new hot and cold-water distribution, RODI water systems, and clean dry air supply.
- Lab Gas Systems: Network supporting natural gas, CO₂, He, H₂, N₂, O₂, and other specialized gases vital to research operations.
Outcome
Delivered on time and within budget, the Edwards Lifesciences expansion stands as a showcase of collaboration, technical expertise, and precision craftsmanship. The new laboratories not only expand Edwards’ research capabilities but also reinforce the company’s mission—driving medical innovation that improves patient outcomes worldwide.
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