This project was a complete renovation of the Eastern Virginia Medical School’s, (EVMS), Gross Anatomy Suite. The 7,000 square foot suite was transformed to provide an enlarged, state-of-the-art, gross anatomy teaching lab, a new plastinate study and testing space, an improved plastination production space, an improved morgue space, a new office area and a new formaldehyde cadaver tank storage area.  The enlarged gross anatomy lab space received new finishes, fixtures and casework including an epoxy floor system, stainless countertops with integral lavatories, pull down emergency shower and eyewash stations.

Each student workstation is fitted with a new LED articulating exam light and an overhead power cord reel. The lab is fitted with a state-of-the-art Audio-Visual system including overhead cameras at the instructor’s station integrated with ceiling and wall mounted monitors optimized for student’s viewing throughout the space.

A new dedicated heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system was included in the project to serve the lab, morgue, and cadaver tank storage areas. This system conditions and provides one hundred percent ventilation air to these formaldehyde laden spaces ensuring the best possible indoor air quality. Air is delivered overhead through laminar air devices and exhausted low to minimize occupants’ exposure to the formalin compounds. The system utilizes space pressure controls to ensure all odors are exhausted from the spaces without migrating outside the suite area.  The specialized HVAC unit includes a plate type energy recovery section to maintain energy efficiency without cross contamination concerns. A special desiccant section was specified to thoroughly dry the humidity laden air often experienced in southeastern Virginia’s climate.  The new dedicated HVAC system maintains the lab spaces at 64 degrees F and 45% relative humidity throughout the year.