Designing High-Performance Life Science Laboratories

Understanding Lab Types: Wet vs Dry Laboratories.

A critical early decision in any life science project is whether the laboratory is classified as wet, dry, or a hybrid of both.

• Wet laboratories involve physical experimentation using chemicals, biological matter, or reagents. These spaces demand specialist infrastructure such as enhanced ventilation, chemical-resistant surfaces, dedicated drainage, and strict safety zoning.

• Dry laboratories focus on computational research, simulations, and data analysis. While less infrastructure-heavy, they require precise environmental control, high-capacity power and data, and flexibility to adapt to fast-changing technologies.

Correctly defining the lab type early informs every downstream decision, from building services to finishes and future-proofing.

Designing Chemical Science Labs: Safety, Functionality & Flexibility

Chemical science laboratories require a meticulous approach to design — where safety and compliance are embedded from day one, not retrofitted later.

1. Define Purpose and Scope

A successful lab begins with absolute clarity around:

The tests and experiments being conducted
Equipment size, weight, and service demands
Occupancy levels and bench requirements
Potential future expansion or changes in research direction
This ensures the lab remains operationally efficient and adaptable as research evolves.

2. Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Safety is non-negotiable. Our team designs laboratories fully compliant with relevant local and national regulations, incorporating:

Segregated chemical storage and hot zones
Emergency showers, eyewash stations, and clear egress routes
Electrical override switches at exit points
Access-controlled areas and security systems where required

3. Layout & Workflow Planning

Efficient labs minimise unnecessary movement while supporting logical testing sequences. Modular benches, localised storage, and durable, chemical-resistant work surfaces ensure both safety and flexibility.

4. Robust Infrastructure & Sustainability

Chemical labs place heavy demands on M&E systems. We design:

Independent temperature and extraction systems
Waterproof and load-rated electrical services
Flexible service distribution via dado trunking
Sustainability is also integrated through waste segregation, durable materials, and future-ready service strategies.

Designing Food Testing & Culinary Science Labs

Food science laboratories must balance hygiene, safety, workflow efficiency, and often client-facing presentation.

Purpose-Led Design

Recipe development kitchens differ significantly from product scale-up environments. Early definition ensures the correct appliances, services, and spatial zoning are incorporated.

In client-facing labs, viewing areas, presentation islands, and live-streaming capabilities can be integrated without compromising hygiene or testing accuracy.

Zoned Layouts for Safety

Linear, zoned layouts prevent cross-contamination and support efficient workflows. Dedicated preparation, cooking, cleaning, and analysis zones ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Hygiene, Safety & Finishes

Key considerations include:

Handwashing stations throughout
Emergency gas and electrical cut-off switches
Odour and noise management
Durable, easy-clean finishes such as stainless steel, vinyl flooring, and coved edges

Supporting Innovation Through Intelligent Design

R&D testing environments must support both creativity and precision. We design:

Informal Prototype Spaces

Flexible, robust environments that encourage hands-on experimentation, featuring:

Modular benches and adaptable layouts
Integrated specialist equipment
Environmental controls, shielding, and clean zones where required
Formal Testing Facilities

Precision-engineered spaces designed to meet BS, EN, and ISO standards, enabling:

Controlled and repeatable testing
Full traceability and compliance
Confidence at every stage of product validation
Health, safety, and regulatory compliance sit at the core of every formal testing environment we deliver, safeguarding teams, products, and reputations.