Upgrading an Old Laboratory Building for Higher Utilisation, Increased Safety and Energy Efficiency: A New Zealand Case Study

Ken Collins, Architect, Lab-works Architecture

Forestry research institute Scion, based in Rotorua, New Zealand, underwent a refurbishment and upgrade of an old, non-compliant laboratory building. A high-efficiency, modern, flexible and energy-efficient laboratory has been accommodated within the footprint of the existing facility.

Some of the benefits arising from the refurbishment include:

Increased collaboration between disciplines and science groups: The open-plan laboratories allow different science groups to work together and share information and knowledge more easily. This enhances opportunities for multi-disciplinary collaboration, and for new ideas to be tested.

Increased occupation density: Before the refurbishment the laboratory building accommodated approximately 25 scientists, now it can accommodate up to 80 scientists. This increases the productivity of the laboratory footprint and equipment.

Increased energy-efficiency: Sustainable design features have been an important part of the refurbishment. The original structure and shell of the building were retained wherever possible. The building was fitted with double glazing, insulation, and energy efficient lighting and fume cupboards, resulting in lower energy usage and running costs.

Increased suitability for surrounding environment: Rotorua has a unique environment due to its geothermal activity, which creates a high level of hydrogen sulphide emissions. The air-conditioning system has special filters to protect the laboratory's internal environment from corrosion caused by sulphur dioxide. Gas bottles are located outside for increased health and safety, with controls and change-overs on the inside of the building for accessibility and protection from the corrosive environment.

Increased user safety: The original layout had a corridor running through the centre of the laboratory that connected various parts of the campus. Write-up spaces, offices and support spaces were open to laboratory spaces with no air control. A corridor now runs along the edge of the laboratory, creating a physical separation while maintaining a visual connection to the laboratory. Write-up and office spaces have been moved to each end of the laboratory with windows maintaining a visual link. Dedicated gown-up rooms and interlocking doors create a barrier between various zones, while also providing a mental switch for staff to reinforce good practice such as gowning and hand-washing. The original corridor has been transformed into a central spine with dip-in support spaces that can be accessed without leaving the laboratory zone.

This project demonstrates how an existing facility can be upgraded to meet modern safety standards and workflows while increasing energy-efficiency in a cost-effective manner.

Biography:

Ken Collins is a New Zealand architect, and has been a Director of Lab-works Architecture since 1982. Ken has extensive experience in the design and construction of laboratories and has completed projects across New Zealand and Australia. Over the twenty years that Ken has been designing laboratories he has initiated many advances in design and construction including room layout, benching systems, safety stations, chemical and gases use. He is a regular participant at the labs21 annual conference in the USA and laboratory conferences in Australia and New Zealand. Ken has assisted in the writing of Australian and New Zealand laboratory standards and the development of best practice and operation procedures for many of his clients. Ken's clients include Government institutes, hospitals, universities and private companies. Ken's focus is on assisting his clients to achieve competitive advantage through his designs, improving efficiency, safety and sustainability of their facilities.

Note: I²SL did not edit or revise abstract or biography text. Abstracts and biographies are displayed as submitted by the author(s).