The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) – Bakar Labs building is a new seven-story, approximately 170,000 sq. ft. research and innovation facility in UC Berkeley’s Berkeley Innovation Zone that will co-locate

IGI’s CRISPR-focused research programs with growth space for biotech startups. Designed as a hub for inclusive innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, the building will provide wet and dry labs, research and administrative offices, meeting rooms, shared work areas, and flexible 

collaboration spaces, organized around interaction zones and a south courtyard shared with the adjacent Bakar Labs for Energy & Materials. 

The facade is conceived as a highly articulated unitized curtain wall system that combines opaque and transparent elements to create a cohesive, textural expression on the north, south and west elevations. Custom-profile terracotta tiles with a custom glaze define the opaque zones, while adjacent glazing incorporates a custom vertical frit pattern in varying widths and spacing that echoes the terracotta profile for visual continuity. An aluminum screen with a custom specialty finish adds an additional layer of depth and refinement, and the curtain wall units are engineered to support projecting fins along the north, south and west elevations, reinforcing the pleated character of the facade; the same curtain wall mullion chassis is used for the other glazing systems on the east elevation and ground floor to optimize fabrication and installation efficiency through standardized components and economies of scale.

Heintges is providing ongoing building envelope consulting and roofing & waterproofing services during all phases of design and construction.