105 West First

105 West First, also referred to as The 105, is a new state-of- the-art seven story research and development facility in South Boston’s Waterfront district. Conceived and developed as an advanced center for the biotechnology sector, the building covers a total of 263,500 GSF and provides ample laboratory space, meeting areas, and a café, in addition to a fitness center and outdoor terrace space. Distinctly modern in appearance, the structure blends in with the more traditional architecture of South Boston. Designed to foster a sense of community and hospitality, the facility’s first two floors include expansive meeting space where researchers can gather.
Front consulted on the project from schematic design through construction administration and developed a unitized curtain wall system. The terracotta panels were incorporated in the factory removing the need for field handling of individual terracotta units. The extruded scalloped terracotta panels, cut on a diagonal and reassembled, are set into the spandrel zone of the curtain wall unit. The resulting triangular pieces are uniquely pitched inward, adding a sense of dimension to what would have otherwise been a flat façade surface. The macro (triangular facets) and micro (scalloped panel profile) textures allow for the unique play of light off the custom blue-green terracotta glaze and gives the building its unique presence in the developing South Boston district. Triple laminated glass, with structural interlayers, are base clamped to achieve the dramatic tall storefront glazing without the use of mullions or glass fins.