EG Funds

Solution

A key focus of the project was the integration of mechanical services throughout the laboratory. To pertain to PC2 requirements, the facility required dedicated air conditioning to the space, via 4-piped Air Handling Units (AHU) installed in a designated on-floor AHU Plantroom. The extraction of air, fume cupboard exhaust and gas presented one of the project's biggest challenges. With the laboratory being located on the ground floor, there were no mechanical risers to extract gases through the multi-storey building. The landlord engaged an independent specialist to assess the existing façade risers, undertaking testing and sealing to ensure an airtight barrier that prevented air leakage paths and maintained the required directional airflow. This enabled our team to work closely with the contractor to identify viable risers capable of accommodating the additional ductwork required for the laboratory.

Laboratory gas services were also a careful consideration to the project. Gas was supplied from central cylinders housed in a dedicated store on the ground floor, positioned immediately adjacent to the tenancy and piped directly into the lab spaces. The store was provisioned with one duty and one standby cylinder each for both carbon dioxide and nitrogen, with spatial allowance for a spare cylinder to support future capacity of either gas.

Safety and lab requirements were both key factors in the gas system design. Exhaust air from the store was ducted to the roof and discharged vertically clear of the facility. Oxygen depletion monitoring was fitted in each lab room and within the store, with oxygen level read-outs at every entry point. A ceiling-mounted red/green traffic light system backed this up with a simple visual and audible alarm, giving staff a clear read on ventilation status before stepping inside.