The construction of the Chi-Huey Wong Laboratory for Biomedical Research at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, represents a significant addition to the institute’s campus, designed to advance interdisciplinary biomedical research. Here’s a detailed overview of this state-of-the-art project and Bergelectric’s involvement.
Project Overview
Purpose: The Chi-Huey Wong Laboratory was built to address Scripps Research’s growing need for modern lab space, fostering collaboration between chemical and life sciences for drug discovery and development. It replaces two former parking lots and aims to support an expanding faculty and cutting-edge research initiatives.
Location: Situated on the Hazen campus at 10330 John Jay Hopkins Drive, near the intersection of Genesee Avenue and North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA. The wedge-shaped site creates a new gateway to the Scripps Research campus.
Size: The facility spans 83,000 square feet across two stories, making it one of the largest buildings constructed by Scripps Research.
Construction Details
Concept Initiation: The idea for the building dates back to 2015, driven by space constraints and faculty growth.
Funding Kickoff: In January 2016, Taiwanese philanthropist Samuel Yin donated $12.8 million, securing additional matching funds, totaling over $25 million in private donations to launch the project.
Construction Phases: The project unfolded in two linear phases:
1. Demolition of existing NMR buildings and construction of a new 705-stall parking structure and central plant to maintain campus functionality.
2. Erection of the two-story lab/office building on the former parking lot site.
Completion and Opening: The building was completed and officially opened to faculty and staff in August 2024, with a dedication ceremony held on October 23, 2024.
General Contractor: DPR Construction, based in University City, San Diego, managed the build with a focus on efficiency and safety.
Architect: DGA (Davis Gregory Associates), with offices in Bankers Hill, San Diego, designed the facility, emphasizing an open-concept layout and sustainability.
Architectural Highlights:
Facade: A modern mix of concrete, structural glass, and wood with large windows to maximize natural light. Vertical fins on the west side provide shading and create a dynamic appearance as the building curves with the roadway.
Structure: Built on a concrete pedestal, giving it a floating aesthetic from certain angles, blending into the Torrey Pines topography.
Interior: Features interconnected open laboratories, a double-height lobby, and spaces like lab casework areas, offices, and collaborative zones to encourage interaction among the 200+ researchers.
Functionality: It houses four collaborative research programs focused on drug discovery, led by prominent investigators like Chi-Huey Wong, Jeffery Kelly, and others. It includes state-of-the-art lab spaces for developing small-molecule drugs and regenerative therapies.
Sustainability:
Designed to meet LEED Silver certification, it includes drought-tolerant landscaping, outdoor seating, EV charging stations, water-efficient systems, and a reflective “cool roof.”
General Construction Challenges and Solutions
Site Constraints: Built on an active, congested campus during record heat, DPR Construction held weekly coordination huddles and implemented a heat illness prevention plan (hydration stations, shade, monitoring), achieving zero heat-related incidents.
Design Coordination
Bergelectric’s early design involvement with DPR and DGA, detailed mockups, and self-perform team input streamlined constructability, procurement, and scheduling, repurposing contingency funds for owner-requested enhancements.
Significance
Naming: Honors Chi-Huey Wong, Scripps Family Chair Professor of Chemistry, renowned for his work in glycoscience and drug development, with the naming reflecting Samuel Yin’s request to recognize Wong’s contributions.
Impact: Frees up lab space campus-wide for new faculty, supports Scripps’ growth (e.g., eight new scientists recently added), and modernizes facilities previously hampered by outdated 1970s-1980s layouts.
Current Status (March 2025)
As of today, the building is fully operational, having opened in August 2024 and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting in October 2024. It’s actively supporting research into regenerative medicine, cancer, and infectious diseases.
This project underscores Scripps Research’s commitment to advancing biomedical science through modern infrastructure.
Bergelectric Crew Size
• 22 Electricians (peak)
• 1 Foreman
• 1 General Foreman
Systems Installed by Bergelectric
• Fire Alarm systems
• TELE/DATA systems
• Security systems
• Access control systems
• Card reader systems
• ERRCS/DAS (Emergency Response Radio Communications System)
Significant Electrical Challenges
One of the more complex aspects of this project has been navigating the nuances of the design-assist delivery model. As a key partner in this process, Bergelectric was deeply involved in supporting design development while simultaneously planning for constructibility and execution. This approach required high flexibility and proactive engagement, especially when addressing evolving scope elements. The collaborative nature of design-assist often meant identifying and responding to unforeseen conditions or design clarifications in real-time. While this model encourages close coordination, it also requires careful management to ensure a precise alignment of responsibilities and expectations throughout the project life cycle.
Central Plant Installation
Bergelectric installed a central plant in Building 1 with an 800 kW/1000 kVA capacity. This plant is equipped with a generator, referred to as “GEN1”. The generator is housed in a weatherproof and sound-attenuated enclosure. It is integrated with a 1200A ATS with a docking station.
Electrical Innovative Practices Relating to Productivity
Bergelectric implemented a strategic prefabrication and kitting approach to support installation efficiency and maintain a clean, organized job site. By coordinating installation requirements in advance and preparing materials offsite, the project team was able to streamline the delivery of electrical components in a controlled, room-specific format. This method reduced on-site material handling, minimized excess packaging and job site waste, and supported a lean construction environment. It also enhanced field productivity by enabling crews to focus on installation rather than sorting or staging materials. The result was improved consistency in layout execution, better coordination with other trades, and a more efficient path to rough-in completion across the project.
Additionally, this approach likely improved job site safety by reducing material clutter in work areas, limiting manual handling of loose components, and decreasing trip hazards commonly associated with traditional material staging. By delivering only what was needed, where it was needed, crews were able to work more cleanly and efficiently within a safer, more controlled environment.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): It was beneficial throughout the project for coordinating and laying out equipment with other trades. BIM allowed us to review the model for potential clashes ahead of construction, enabling optimal installation and reducing conflicts with layout and power distribution systems.
Advanced BIM Technology
• Autodesk Revit
• Autodesk AutoCAD MEP
• Autodesk Navisworks Manage
• Bluebeam Studio – Plangrid
• Autodesk GLUE
• Autodesk BIM Layout
• Plan Enterprise
• Docs Enterprise