VGXI Headquarters and Biomanufacturing Facility – Conroe
Hanbury was tasked with designing a dynamic space for the VGXI headquarters and biomanufacturing facility in Conroe, Texas.
The new VGXI Headquarters and Biomanufacturing Facility in Conroe, Texas is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Hanbury, the client, and key stakeholders. Situated on a 20-acre plot in an emerging technology and research park, this cutting-edge facility was designed with careful consideration for the client’s needs, employee well-being, schedule, and budget constraints. Hanbury’s designers expertly translated VGXI’s vision into an architectural statement that embodies the client’s values and aspirations, reflecting a commitment to transformational science and employee well-being through strategic facility planning and life science expertise.
A modular concept was incorporated into the building’s design, allowing for future growth and expansion while maintaining the highest standards of safety, containment, and cGMP requirements needed for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The building’s unique architecture utilized site cast concrete panels designed as modular units which reflects the constraints of tilt-up construction and the prescriptive nature of lab facilities. The design team skillfully turned these constraints into design opportunities, resulting in a building that breaks down the scale of the form with the use of light and shadow and provides visual interest through multiple panel types.
The innovative use of chamfers, textures and projecting elements allows the facade to transform dynamically throughout the day, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow that enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal. With an equally impressive interior, the material palette consists primarily of neutral tones, including polished concrete floors, warm wood tones, and the client’s primary brand color. This serves as a means of wayfinding, guiding occupants through the space and marking the important communal gathering spaces throughout.
Shared spaces and circulation zones continue the theme of engaging environments and adapt to different work methodologies. The double-height entry plaza, monumental stair, wood slat walls, and ceilings visually connect the interior design to the exterior canopy soffits and establish a material language that is carried throughout the office and circulation areas.
The VGXI headquarters showcases the impact of collaboration, innovation, and careful attention to detail. The close coordination between the design team, client, and contractors allowed for key details to be thoughtfully articulated, resulting in a building that is both functional and visually stunning. It represents VGXI’s commitment to transforming scientific processes and generating a positive global impact through their products, cementing their place as a leader in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industry.
Design: Hanbury
Photography: Keith Isaacs Photography
