University of Sydney

Background

Over the course of the past decade, Amicus has refurbished nearly every laboratory at the Chemical Engineering school at The University of Sydney. The Civil Engineering school is located next door and when looking to refurbish two of their laboratories, the schools discussed the processes and costs and engaged us to help them meet the needs of their professors.

Due to the old architecture of the University, the placement of columns and plumbing meant a great focus of this project was on bespoke furniture to fit the internal environment, whilst remaining cognisant of ensuring suitable chemical resistant benchtops and splashbacks, and ensuring the necessary clearances to meet Australian Standards in narrow laboratories. Additionally, the University wanted all tables and floor cupboards to be removable to assist with cleaning.

Solution

The laboratories were designed and approved within a two week window and installation was carried out during university holidays. Most academic and commercial laboratories cannot be left vacant for extended periods, so planning and executing the install within the agreed timeframe was an important element of our deliverable.

Marine/Laboratory Grade (316) Stainless Steel was chosen for many of the surfaces allowing for high continuous benchtops to splashback. The doors of the wall cupboards were glass, finished with a 2 pack polyurethane frame and provided not only a sophisticated finish, but allowed people working in the laboratory to see exactly what was in each cupboard.

Benefit

The most enjoyable part of a job like Civil Engineering is that is allowed us to design and build all aspects of the laboratory, therefore offering a complete and bespoke solution, from stripping and painting the laboratory, to designing and installing unusually shaped stainless steel work benches and sinks, to manufacturing a purpose built balance bench.