Do you have capabilities to fit out a complex biotechnology research facility?
Year of Collaboration – Guest Blog 2
Yes, we do and have just completed a multi-phase project in Oxford.
Bulb Interiors were originally engaged to create three separate laboratories within a warehouse including a mezzanine floor and sub division works. Having successfully completed and occupied three laboratories, the client commissioned a fourth laboratory to accommodate prototype R&D equipment aimed at achieving larger scale production.
In each of the laboratories, a key aspect of the project was the need for controlled environmental conditions and containment. It involved temperature regulation, humidity control and ventilation. For this Bulb recommended our commercial partner, Green Gate Mechanical Services Ltd.
Client Brief:
Fells Wine
The client required an R&D facility with bio containment applied to ventilation, air conditioning and public health services. Precise environmental conditions were needed involving high ambient temperatures and high ventilation rates.
Whilst the warehouse had areas of restricted head room, the maximising of headroom was vital to provide flexibility. This was important for the future installation of prototype production units, still at the early design stage.
The wet laboratory was intended to house high volumes of water requiring structural support at first floor level. Whilst maintaining the integrity of ground floor existing laboratories beneath. The wet laboratory incorporated multiple sinks, wash hand basins, water and waste supplies serviced by multiple gullies and troughs.
Additional services included leak detection, compressed air and odour control.
Key Challenges:
The works were to be undertaken whilst the three other laboratories were in operation, so flexibility of approach was needed to maintain CL2 compliance throughout.
The client was operating to a tight deadline, but had a limited budget given the early development stage of the factory process.
The building is sited on a popular business park with neighbours in occupation on both sides. There was a need to maintain uninterrupted M&E services to the existing operational facilities via programmed minimal shutdowns of power, IT servers and other services.
For bio-containment there was a need to achieve the correct balance between not oversizing due to space constraints but accommodating in the design restricted outlets and inlets.
The installation required high ventilation change over rates at high ambient temperature, also a two-zone temperature control system.
The works were to be undertaken whilst the three other laboratories were in operation, so flexibility of approach was needed to maintain CL2 compliance throughout.
The client was operating to a tight deadline, but had a limited budget given the early development stage of the factory process.
The building is sited on a popular business park with neighbours in occupation on both sides. There was a need to maintain uninterrupted M&E services to the existing operational facilities via programmed minimal shutdowns of power, IT servers and other services.
For bio-containment there was a need to achieve the correct balance between not oversizing due to space constraints but accommodating in the design restricted outlets and inlets.
The installation required high ventilation change over rates at high ambient temperature, also a two-zone temperature control system.
The design also needed to accommodate the high potential water usage at first floor level with the installation of a complex waste network below the raised floor.
Our Solutions:
Utilising the strong working relationship with the specialist contractor Green Gate, the team was able to adapt and react swiftly to changes in the Employers Requirements as they arose.
Such expertise provided a robust engineering solution at speed throughout both the design and implementation stages.
Green Gate engineered a two-zone heat recovery VRF system to achieve high ambient heating and cooling requirements. Together with a Trend Control System to manage all ventilation within close parameters. A carefully co-ordinated ventilation system allowed maximum headroom for future installations of R&D equipment whilst maintaining high changeover rates.
This ventilation system included ultra violet scrubbers and vertical high velocity discharge to eliminate external odours.
Bio-containment was achieved via use of specialist diffusers and mesh to all wet floor areas including drainage and sinks.
Other equipment included an air compressor with integrated dryer, filter and regulator to pneumatic machinery.
To facilitate goods/material access, multi storey platforms & external loading platforms were constructed adjacent to goods loading doors.
Throughout the process, Bulb ensured the client’s project team was always aware of any changes. We proposed methods of work so that observations and compliance can by achieved by all parties. Maintaining core communication with all stakeholders, neighbours and clients staff was key.
Result:
A successfully designed and installed facility of good quality, completed on time within budget with minimal inconvenience and to the total satisfaction of client expectations.
About Green Gate:
Green Gate Mechanical Services Ltd offers a personal and high-quality building services to recognised customers and partners. They employ in-house installation engineers complemented by specialised sub-contractors in associated fields. All projects are managed by the experienced team, that pride on delivering a high-quality installation regardless of the project size. Green Gate maintains an extensive health and safety system with continuous commitment to the environment, natural resources conservation and process improvement.
Woolhampton Design Centre, Station Road, Woolhampton Reading, Berkshire, RG7 5SE
Tel: 01189 712762
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