The existing plant was 20 years old, and at the end of its useful life.
The counterargument to this is that the ceiling itself is one large dust trap.In our experience, the ceiling type is dictated by the services; a ceiling can provide a plenum for air distribution at very low air velocity to the room, which is good for labs with a high air change rate, but it can also limit the space for service crossovers and distribution.. One final note is that the colour scheme of a lab can have a big effect on the users, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also for safety reasons.
Making walkways a contrasting colour to work areas can help with circulation around the lab, plus help prevent busy scientists from walking into worktops and dropping samples or chemicals..Structural requirements.The main issues we have come across for structural engineers have been coordination with services.
There can be many changes throughout the lab design period, particularly with client equipment, and this can result in lots of changes to the services.. Coordinating the services at high level can be difficult, so every effort should be made to reduce beam depths or use castellated beams if this is not possible..The biggest and most recurring challenge, however, is usually due to new services needing penetrations or alternative routing due to changes to client laboratory equipment.
Labs need a higher air change rate than offices or other building types, which means lots of ductwork to and from the lab.
This is exacerbated if there are fume cupboards, as the discharges go to the roof and discharge vertically.Occupancy within the development has remained at 100% since its completion and there is a waiting list, with many residents requesting to purchase their properties outright.
The active engagement of the community within the local area and their pride in the development is testament to the positive social impact of the project..The project has also prioritised placemaking, providing great physical improvements to the neighbourhood.
The formerly forgotten backland site now features pavilions surrounding a central communal green area, providing a fantastic outdoor space for the community to use and enjoy.The lockdown imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic saw the urban garden-style placemaking at Churchwood Gardens really come into its own.
(Editor: Luxury Foam Rollers)