L'Oréal Research and Innovation Center
Our New Jersey team delivered L’Oréal’s state-of-the-art Research & Innovation Center in Clark, NJ—a beacon of innovation and sustainability. This multi-phase project―the company’s most substantial investment in such a facility to date―consisted of extensive site work, structural additions, and interior renovations of 10,000sf and 90,000sf in Phases 1A and Phase 1. Laboratory spaces and modular, flexible workspaces are a prominent part of the scope, featuring various amenities intended to strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, inspire creativity, and foster collaboration in an innovative, sustainable work environment.
Phase 2 consists of a full site, core & shell, and interior renovation of 135,000sf including existing lab and office space. Our team undertook a substantial demolition package and structural rehabilitation of the existing building inclusive of ACM and lead abatement. Mechanically, the lab spaces are conditioned by two new roof top custom air handlers and a DOAS unit for the office and amenity spaces. The existing 4kV service was upgraded to 13.2kV.
Aligned with their bold “L’Oréal for the Future” commitment, this facility reduces energy use, waste, and resource consumption while fostering biodiversity with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor green spaces. A standout innovation is the use of mass timber (CLT decking)—a renewable material that reduces carbon impact and seamlessly blends sustainability with biophilic design.
Safety was also a top priority, and our team earned a 2024 STOBG Safety 360 Award for their exceptional safety program as well as the Leader in Real Estate, Construction and Design Awards – NJBIZ.
© Paul Burk
Architect
The SLAM Collaborative
Client
L'Oréal Groupe
Location
Clark, NJ
SF
235,000sf
Contract
CM
Architect
The SLAM Collaborative
Owner's Rep
Watchdog Real Estate Project Managers
Engineer
AKF Group
Awards
Leader in Real Estate, Construction and Design Awards - NJBIZ.
Award of Merit: Higher Education/Research – ENR New York
Award of Merit: Excellence in Safety – ENR New York
related news
Building a Sustainable Future: L’Oréal’s Cutting-Edge Research & Innovation Center