The PIERI Architects team went above and beyond for us, providing design services in a professional and efficient manner that met our expectations, and with only a few revisions under a fast-track project delivery.

Uwe Becker

Head of Operations Expansion

Bioprocess Solution

Sartorius Group

Sartorius Stedim Filters – Project ECO: Global Collaboration for Local Impact

When Sartorius Stedim Filters launched "Project ECO," they envisioned a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that would set new benchmarks in sustainability and operational efficiency. Achieving this ambitious goal required not only innovative design and construction but also seamless collaboration across continents. The partnership between PIERI Architects, Hector M. Varela, Inc., and Sartorius’ project teams from Puerto Rico and Germany exemplified the power of global teamwork driving local success.

A Unified Vision Across Borders

From the very beginning, PIERI Architects worked closely with Sartorius’ leadership, including key stakeholders from their Puerto Rico operations and global management team in Germany. This diverse group brought unique perspectives, combining deep local knowledge with international best practices to guide the project.

Close collaboration was essential to align the project’s design and delivery with Sartorius’ high standards for manufacturing, sustainability, and budget control. Weekly meetings bridged time zones, fostering transparency and ensuring every decision reflected the company’s global vision and local operational needs.

Key Project Collaborators

Sartorius’ team included:

• Uwe Becker, Sartorius International Development Manager, who ensured alignment with the company’s global sustainability and operational goals.
• Rainer Lehman, COO Sartorius Americas, whose leadership underscored the strategic importance of the facility.
• Marcos Lopez, General Manager of Sartorius Stedim Filters Puerto Rico, who provided invaluable insight into local operational requirements.
• Efrain Rodriguez, FMT Operations Manager, who supported the technical and operational alignment of the clean room facility.
• Vangie Lopez, Project Manager from Caribbean Project Management, who coordinated on behalf of the owner, facilitating communication between all parties.

The Power of Collaboration

The integrated approach between PIERI Architects, Hector M. Varela, Inc., and Sartorius teams ensured that every aspect of the project was thoughtfully addressed:

• Adaptive Design: By engaging Sartorius' German and Puerto Rican teams during design workshops, PIERI Architects created a facility that met local climate and bioclimatic conditions while adhering to strict international manufacturing standards.
• Responsive Problem-Solving: When Sartorius requested a 12% reduction in the construction budget, the project team—including Sartorius’ decision-makers—participated in an intensive design workshop. Together, we reimagined key systems, like further modularization of the building structure, integrating the potable, fire, and harvesting water cisterns into the underground foundation, enhancing insulation and window performance, and further optimizing HVAC systems. These adjustments the team was able to maintain the project goals and requirements and improve overall performance while reducing costs by $1.6 million dollars.
• Operational Alignment: The clean room manufacturing spaces required precise environmental controls. Working with Sartorius’ technical leads, PIERI ensured the building systems would meet the exacting standards of their proprietary processes, resulting in two ISO 8 clean rooms and a facility that operates with 37% energy savings and 75% water savings.  When compared to the existing Sartorius manufacturing facility, ECO I improved overall energy performance by 62%

Commitment to Sustainable Excellence

The facility demonstrates industry-leading sustainability and operational performance, thanks to innovative strategies, including:

• Low-impact site development, with on-site habitat restoration, significant stormwater runoff reduction, heat island mitigation, and drought-tolerant native landscaping.
• 75% reduction in potable water consumption, achieved through advanced water conservation measures.
• 37% energy efficiency optimization over ASHRAE 90.1 2010 standards.
• Off-site construction assembly to minimize waste and disruption.
• 80% of construction waste diverted through a robust waste management program.
• Indoor Air Quality Management Plan, implemented during construction to protect workers and future occupants.
• Use of low-emitting materials for all interior and exterior finishes to ensure a healthy indoor environment.
• A coordinated validation and commissioning process, ensuring building systems met design performance goals.
• A Measurement & Verification Plan to monitor energy and water consumption for ongoing operational efficiency.

Results that Resonate Globally

Delivered in just 14 months, on time and on budget, Project ECO is a testament to the power of close, cross-border collaboration. Sartorius now operates the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified Pharma-Bio clean room manufacturing facility, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation on their global platform.

Why Collaboration Matters

PIERI Architects believes that the best solutions emerge when every stakeholder has a voice. By fostering open communication and trust across the Sartorius teams in Puerto Rico and Germany, we were able to meet the rigorous technical and operational goals while through architectural expression embodying the company’s global values.

Let PIERI Architects bring the same level of dedication and collaborative expertise to your project. Together, we’ll build a future that works for you, wherever you are.

Project Data

• Project Type: Clean Room Manufacturing
• Delivery Method: Contractor-Led Design-Build
• Construction Period: 14 Months
• Site Area: 3.68 Acres
• Gross Floor Area: 55,750 sq. ft.
• Permanent Occupants: 125 (day shift) / 100 (night shift)
• Owner: Sartorius Stedim Filters
• Builder: Hector M. Varela, Inc.
• Architect: PIERI + ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, PSC
• Engineering Team:
  • Mechanical: Jose Luis Marrero, PE
  • Structural: Fernando Cortes, PE
  • Electrical: Daniel Rosell Suarez, PE
  • Civil: DG3 Engineers
• Project Managers: Caribbean Project Management

Performance Data

• Daylit Building Area: 100% (offices); 10% (clean rooms)
• Ventilated with Operable Windows: 0%
• Total Water Used: 5,500,775 gallons
• Annual Potable Water Use: 1,815,900 gallons
• Total Energy Used: 36 kWh/sqft/year
• Energy Savings: 37% over ASHRAE 90.1 2007 standards
• Water Savings: 75% potable water reduction
• Construction Waste Diverted: 80%
• LEED Rating: Platinum
• Total Project Cost: $14.5 million
• Construction Completion: July 2012