TMC3 Collaborative Building

The TMC3 Collaborative Building sets a benchmark for high-performance laboratory design. The design integrates resource efficiency, and systems to reduce energy demand and operational emissions. Designed to support Texas A&M, UT Health, and MD Anderson Cancer Center, the two interconnected buildings provide daylit, thermally comfortable research environments that foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Atelier Ten conducted detailed façade performance analysis to minimize solar heat gain, mitigate risks of solar convergence from the west façade, and optimize daylight quality. Solar radiation modeling evaluated orientation, context, and self-shading effects, informing the selection of external shading typologies. The final strategy incorporates horizontal louvers on the south, east, and west façades to reduce solar exposure and cooling loads while improving thermal comfort. Additional measures include trellis shading structures on outdoor terraces, four horizontal louvers on upper levels, fritted glass to eliminate solar convergence risk. These strategies collectively enhance daylight quality, reduce glare, and maintain visual comfort throughout the year.

Energy efficiency was a major design driver. Through the integration of low-e glazing and external shading, variable volume exhaust fans, and condensing natural gas boilers with low temperature heating hot water, the proposed design achieves over a 20% savings in annual energy use compared to the baseline. Domestic hot water is provided by high-efficiency heat pumps, further reducing carbon emissions.

Atelier Ten led the LEED Administration. The project achieved LEED Gold certification, surpassing its initial Silver target.