LGC

Our client LGC required relocation of its National Laboratories from Teddington, to a new facility on the ground floor of the Priestley Centre on Surrey Research Park; a building refurbished to shell & core by the Landlord.

Bulb was appointed to further develop the RIBA Stage 3 design prepared by LGC’s consultant team to “for construction” status and to carry out the fit-out works of the new laboratory and office facility. The move to Guildford provided the opportunity to create a purpose-built environment to support advanced scientific workflows, collaboration, and the delivery of high-quality measurement science.

The Bulb team of scientists, technical services managers and designers held a series of collaborative workshops with individual LGC laboratory teams to ensure all workflow and technical requirements were fully understood and met.

Each laboratory was bespoke to the needs of its end users. Through close engagement, designs were developed to client approval, satisfying the unique operational, equipment and compliance requirements of each department. Equipment layouts were planned in direct collaboration with users, ensuring workflows, specialist equipment and usability were carefully considered alongside aesthetics.

In parallel, the office space design was developed through frequent design workshops between Bulb and LGC. These sessions allowed layouts to be refined and finalised before progressing into detailed design, covering finishes, materials, colours and acoustic wall treatments.

The finishes selected for the Containment Level 2 laboratories included fully welded vinyl flooring, antibacterial paint and Trespa TopLab Base bench tops. Areas requiring enhanced performance were fitted with epoxy and static-dissipative vinyl flooring, Trovex welded sheet wall coverings and Trespa TopLab Plus bench tops.

Prior to Bulb’s involvement, the landlord completed a shell and core fit-out, upgrading air conditioning and ventilation systems to create “lab-ready” spaces.

The new capital plant incorporated energy-saving technologies, including heat recovery systems.

LGC also procured additional key items of capital plant: a processed chilled water system (N+1) to cool sensitive laboratory equipment, an oil-free air compressor (N+1) supplying compressed air across the facility, and a water purification system providing softened water to the also newly installed central DI water plant. Over 40 ducted VAV fume cupboards and Class 2 safety cabinets were supplied and installed, as well as three walk in cold rooms and a number of safety showers.

The general mechanical and electrical (M&E) services presented unique challenges due to the evolving design during pre-construction and the high density of fume cupboards throughout the laboratories. To manage this complexity, all high-level services were coordinated using 3D modelling, significantly improving coordination and accelerating installation during construction.

Alongside general M&E services, an extensive specialist gas network was installed, supplying gases ranging from bulk-stored Argon to Hydrogen. Most gases are housed in a dedicated external storage area, with niche gases contained within blast cabinets inside the laboratories.

Given the use of flammable gases, comprehensive independent gas detection and DSEAR risk assessments were carried out. These informed both gas detection requirements and wider safety measures, including anti-static flooring and intrinsically sealed life-safety systems such as emergency lighting, fire alarms, call points and gas detection sensors.

LGC was delighted with the completed laboratory and office facilities, which deliver a highly functional, safe and future-ready working environment, supporting the continued delivery of trusted measurement science.