Key insight about the project goes here
The Southern Research Biotech Center in Birmingham, Alabama, is a 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed to expand laboratory capacity and accelerate research focused on cancer, chronic illness, and infectious diseases. The $98 million project doubles Southern Research’s lab capabilities and provides advanced spaces for high-throughput chemistry, drug discovery, and genomic research programs. Supporting the building’s modern architectural vision, Metal Design Systems, Inc. fabricated over 30,000 square feet of the MDSI Series 20 aluminum composite material (ACM) panel system, consisting of approximately 2,500 precision-engineered panels that deliver a high-performance exterior envelope aligned with the facility’s cutting-edge mission.
Through detailed engineering, quality fabrication, and close coordination with the project team, Metal Design Systems delivered a durable, weather-resistant façade that enhances long-term building performance while achieving the architect’s contemporary design intent. The MDSI Series 20 panel system provides a streamlined rainscreen solution that contributes to energy efficiency, durability, and visual impact, supporting a world-class research environment positioned to drive innovation, economic growth, and advancements in human health.