The University of California at Berkeley Li Ka-Shing Biomedical Center’s mission is to generate significant scientific advances in biomedical, health teaching and research. Its modern exterior of glass, concrete and steel connotes the height of technology while its interior of warm Douglas-fir speaks of nature and healing. Like the cutting-edge science that will inhabit this space, the interiors of this project were extremely complex and required an unprecedented level of detail and coordination – so much so that, according to Pinnacle Distribution’s Jim Ratzlaff, “Pound for pound this was the most difficult project I’ve ever been involved with.”

Designed by ZGF in Portland, Oregon, the project first came to 9Wood’s design support team in August of 2008. The design was to integrate a very complex, almost jigsaw-puzzle composition of perforated tiles, linear wood, grilles and various trims. Adding to the complexity, each of the five floors had unique layouts: all perforated tiles required non-standard borders. The customization was attractive on the design end, but how would 200+ custom panels be handled through production and installation?

In late 2009, 9Wood won the contract and embarked on the journey required to execute this behemoth project. There were five products, including linears, grilles, tiles, and perforated tiles as well as ten types of trim. The design intent was to integrate all the products together with other design elements including Douglas-fir wood walls done by other millworkers. Instead of the standard 9Wood Lift & Lock attachment that required a standard grid configuration, Ratzlaff coordinated with Lindner of Germany to devise a custom suspension that would more easily accommodate the custom, angled perimeters.

The biggest challenge for this project was to coordinate and fabricate the perforated tiles. Due to the sheer volume of custom panels (where the 200 theoretical unique panels had turned into over 500), cutting and perforating in the field was not feasible. As such, the tile dimensions were measured in the field and sent back to 9Wood for detailed CAD dimensioning, tile by tile. Because of these exceptional requirements, 9Wood’s project management and drafting departments had to devise a painstaking system for tracking the panels through production and installation.

The final shipment was sent in September of 2011 and installation was completed shortly thereafter. As time goes by the Douglas-fir will patina to give the space a rich, warm glow with pink and peach hues.