The architectural firm that created Bigelow Laboratory’s $31.8-million phase 1 campus in East Boothbay was recently recognized for its work.

WBRC Architects Engineers received a merit award for architectural excellence at the 2014 AIA Maine’s Design Awards ceremony in Lewiston on May 12.

The firm received the award on behalf of the entire project team, which included Boston design architect Perkins+Will, contractor Consigli Construction, and owner Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is a 60,000 square foot, LEED Platinum science and education campus on the East Boothbay waterfront.

The campus consists of three interconnected science and education buildings, along with a shorefront facility and dock. The $31.8-million phase 1 campus project was made possible by a combination of state and federal grants, private financing and private donations.

The awards’ jury noted how clearly the design accommodates the research mandate of the laboratory. “We noted noted how each piece of this project is sculptural and is conceptually connected, while still reading as separate. We appreciated the difficulty of siting a large building like this on a sensitive site. This massive building benefits from being composed in three parts, opening up views toward the sea. The form of the wings, the horizontal strip windows, and the large roof overhangs enhance the dynamism of this building that seems to sail toward the sea, the subject of its occupants’ research.”

A key feature of the campus is the building’s unique daylighting design. The solar orientation of the three research wings, combined with open courtyards between each wing, helps to maximize natural light in the building, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient work environment. Year-round energy recovery and other high-efficiency equipment provide an outstanding 54% energy cost savings over a conventional design.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences campus is the first scientific research laboratory to achieve LEED Platinum status in Maine, and has won several awards, in addition to the AIA Maine Merit Award since its completion.

“The design of this facility is a testament to the power of collaboration,” WBRC President Doug Whitney said.

“The space is highly functional, energy-efficient, and provides for a fantastic integrated work environment with state-of-the-art facilities,” Bigelow’s Executive Director Graham Shimmield said. “The design team also took full advantage of the laboratory’s location, providing inspiring water views for our ocean researchers.”