Western University, Modular Animal Care Facility (MACF)

The Modular Animal Care Facility (MACF) is a complex holding and research facility for a variety of animal species. The 50,750 square foot facility has been designed with a heavy emphasis on flexibility as well as the capacity to expand another three floors vertically. The MACF has been planned to meet very rigorous standards concerning the handling of animals. Security of the building was also an important element of the design which ultimately influenced the building’s location and material selection.

The modules which house the various species of animals have been designed so that their conversion from one species to another can be done with the least resistance. The building systems are housed in what is essentially a vertical interstitial space which allows maintenance staff to do their work without interrupting the ongoing research. The building is connected to the Dental Sciences building through an above ground link which allows staff and researchers to have easy access to the surrounding medical complexes.  

This project was completed in association with Perkins + Will (Boston).