The Lockheed Martin Technical Research Laboratory was designed to meet stringent security, environmental and performance requirements within a highly compact footprint. Built inside a 15,000‑square‑foot pre‑engineered structural steel building, the facility houses four advanced laser laboratories capable of achieving Class 100,000 clean‑room performance or better. The project demanded exceptional precision and rapid delivery to support Lockheed Martin’s high‑tech research capabilities.
What challenges did STV address?
The project’s accelerated schedule and complex laboratory requirements posed significant engineering and construction challenges. The laboratories required strict environmental and physical controls, including specialized HVAC performance, vibration mitigation and contamination management. Adding to the complexity, the pre‑engineered building’s roof system could not support the additional load of the laboratory walls and ceilings and reinforcing it would have caused substantial construction delays.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided full design and post-design services, supporting a true fast-track delivery model that enabled the project to be completed in just nine months – less than half the typical duration for a facility of this technical magnitude. The team employed innovative engineering approaches, including the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling – uncommon for HVAC design – to ensure precise environmental control. To avoid overloading the existing structure, the laboratory walls and ceilings were engineered as independent, self‑supporting systems. Around‑the‑clock work enabled by integrated project delivery helped maintain the aggressive schedule.
How did this project benefit the client and region?
The completed laboratory provides Lockheed Martin with a secure, highly controlled environment to support mission-critical research and development efforts. Its advanced systems improve efficiency, safety, and experimental accuracy, while the rapid delivery allowed the client to begin research activities earlier than expected. The project’s success demonstrates how cutting‑edge engineering and collaborative delivery can support innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Key Stats and Accolades
• 15,000‑sf pre‑engineered structural steel facility
• Four Class 100,000 laser laboratories
• Achieved in nine months via 24/7 integrated project delivery
• CFD‑modeled HVAC and highly customized environmental controls
• Self‑supporting interior lab structures
• ACEC National Honor Award recipient
