Research Building 1, a prototype building, is a chemistry and biology laboratory building with office space that attaches to an annex building housing a training facility. It consolidates program areas and expands capacity for critical research activities.

The building shell has a steel structure on a concrete foundation and glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), metal panel and glass skin systems with a foam roof. Large canopy trees reinforce the site geometry, define pedestrian paths and frame building entries.

The design for the site and the building is organized into four parallel zones of use including landscape, office, science and service. These areas run parallel to the primary circulation axis ultimately connecting all areas for interactions and discovery on a continuous pathway. Site development reinforces this by providing pedestrian access and outdoor use areas and unifying the Gilead campus. Building massing concepts further express this continuity with wall planes and rooflines extending beyond and articulating the program areas.