MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

MBH Architects, an award-winning architecture and design firm headquartered in Alameda, CA, announces the completion of MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan Avenue, a 152,660-square-foot incubator laboratory and office building in the heart of the Bay Area’s life science corridor. Developed in partnership with Dewey Land Co., Inc. and MBC BioLabs, the three-story facility with basement opened in April 2025 and marks the newest and largest addition to the growing San Carlos campus.

MBH served as Design Architect and Architect of Record for the new construction project, which extends MBC BioLabs’ established incubator model—an approach that has supported the launch of more than 500 biotech companies worldwide. The 1030 Brittan building significantly increases campus capacity, enabling more than 100 emerging life science companies to operate under one roof.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

Expanding an Established Incubator Model

Founded to remove traditional barriers such as long-term leases and capital-intensive lab buildouts, MBC BioLabs provides early-stage companies with immediate access to fully equipped laboratory and office space. The 1030 Brittan facility reinforces that mission by delivering move-in-ready labs and flexible workspaces within a cohesive campus environment.

 The building aligns architecturally with the adjacent 930 Brittan structure while introducing a more refined material palette that reflects the continued evolution of the MBC BioLabs brand.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

A Defined Arrival and Campus Presence

Elevated above grade to address floodplain requirements, the building establishes a strong presence along Brittan Avenue. Custom GFRC cladding, expansive glazing, and a 45-foot-high open-air entry stair define the arrival experience. Wood fins and sculptural lighting accent the stair, creating a visible and active threshold into the campus.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

Shared Space at the Core

 At the center of the building, the second floor functions as a social and intellectual commons. A continuous sequence of shared spaces—including lobby, all-hands area, kitchen, lounges, and south-facing roof terraces—supports gathering and exchange among resident companies.

 A large bifolding door connects the central kitchen and event space to the outdoors, creating a flexible indoor–outdoor setting for meetings, presentations, and informal collaboration.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

Turnkey Laboratories Designed for Flexibility

 Across all three floors, fully equipped laboratory suites support MBC BioLabs’ turnkey model. Open labs with benching, fume hoods, and freezer capacity are paired with adjacent private labs and offices, allowing teams to transition easily between experimentation and focused work. Phone booths, conference rooms, and clear circulation paths accommodate a range of work styles.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

Material Expression and Technical Coordination

 The architectural language balances the performance requirements of laboratory environments with a measured sense of warmth. Exposed concrete structure and systems are complemented by rift-sawn white oak, custom acoustical treatments, integrated graphics, and layered lighting.

 Lighting design, developed in collaboration with ALR, incorporates fixtures from Fluxworks, Bega, Delta Light, and Lumos to support both laboratory precision and workplace comfort.

 Behind the scenes, the project required robust mechanical and electrical systems to meet the demands of incubator laboratories. A design-build MEP approach, closely coordinated between MBH and contractors, supports high-efficiency HVAC, optimized ventilation for safety and performance, and infrastructure capable of accommodating tenant turnover and evolving research needs.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

Supporting a Growing Campus

 The completion of 1030 Brittan Avenue represents a significant step in the continued growth of the MBC BioLabs San Carlos campus. By combining high-performance laboratories with collaboration-focused amenities and a cohesive architectural identity, the project establishes a new anchor within the campus and expands capacity for emerging life science companies.

 For MBH Architects, the project reflects an integrated approach to life science design—bringing together technical coordination, architectural clarity, and campus continuity in support of scientific research and entrepreneurship.

MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan. Credit Tyler Chartier Photography

For more information about MBC BioLabs at 1030 Brittan and MBH Architects, please visit: www.mbharch.com

About MBH Architects:

For over three decades, MBH Architects, headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been a trusted partner for clients seeking top-tier services in architecture, interior design, master-planning, and environmental graphic and fixture design. MBH’s core areas of expertise encompass mixed-use developments, workspace projects, cutting-edge laboratories, multi-family housing, as well as, retail, restaurant, and wellness spaces.

Spanning the United States and India, and bolstered by strategic design partnerships worldwide, MBH Architects offers the unparalleled services of a mid-sized firm on a global scale with a portfolio of over 10,000 projects spanning 96 countries.