Despite stereotypes of scientists as disorganized, scientific facilities adhere to strict safety and efficiency guidelines. Best practices in lab design, whether for compact or large facilities, continue to evolve. Here, we will discuss an overview of design basics and practical advice for creating safe, efficient labs.
Lab Classification
The first place to start when designing a lab is to determine what type or classification of the lab is needed for your particular circumstance. Some research facilities are equipped with both wet and dry labs since their work may require the use of a wide range of tools and equipment.
Other institutions build one or the other since their work may be more specific and require less extensive resources.
Wet Labs
Wet labs typically perform liquid sample research and testing, working with biological samples, corrosive chemicals, acids, pharmaceuticals, etc. As the name suggests, wet labs must be designed to handle moisture.
The need anti-corrosive, easy-to-clean materials to prevent cross-contamination, damage, or accidental injury.
Wet labs need sinks, drainage and plumbing, piped gas, extensive filtration and ventilation, and fixed casework for secure chemical housing. They may also include some features found in dry labs, like computers and other equipment.
Dry Labs
Dry labs handle data over physical samples and have fewer requirements for plumbing, gas, and ventilation. In many ways, a dry lab is designed similarly to an office space since they have extensive wiring and electrical requirements to maximize efficiency.
Dry labs typically do not handle samples or corrosive chemicals, so they require cooling, as electrical equipment can produce a lot of heat.
Lab Layout and Floorplan
Once you know what type of lab you plan to build, you must select a space. If you are building a lab in an existing building, choose a large, open area with access to ventilation, water, gas, and all other utilities.
Additionally, try to choose a space with few limitations (e.g., pillars, unnecessary walls, narrow doorways, etc.).
If you are building a new facility, the same qualities should be considered when constructing the space that will become your lab. It must be large enough to accommodate everything, including special equipment, personnel, furniture, storage, samples, etc.
Remember that approximately 25% will be used for large equipment.
Open vs. Closed Labs
“Open” lab design has become increasingly popular over the past decade, with the focus shifting from the individual needs of the researcher to the overall convenience and flow of the facility. Past closed labs had more in common with office space cubicles than the collaborative research environments we often see today.
Open labs allow researchers to share space with one another, their equipment, and support staff. Additionally, they allow all staff members equal access to equipment, storage, tools, and facilities.
In addition to fostering collaboration, open labs are more flexible than closed labs. They allow for the easy movement of equipment, furniture, and personnel within the space.
Maximizing Flexibility
One of the most important qualities of good lab design is promoting flexibility. Most laboratories undergo changes to their staff, research, and work yearly, often needing to revise their methods to keep up with these changes.
From this, it is important to design labs that are flexible and easily rearranged based on changing needs.
Custom Furniture
One of the easiest ways to future-proof your lab and increase its flexibility is to select custom furniture. Custom furniture can be made with modular features that make switching up the layout of your lab super easy.
Focusing on modular storage to accommodate new samples and supplies as seamlessly as possible.
Standard Lab Furniture
While your facility’s needs will determine the specifics of your lab design, some standard pieces of lab furniture can be found in most laboratories. Here are some standard pieces of furniture that can be found in every lab:
Storage
Regardless of the work in your lab, you will most certainly need to select an ample amount of storage space. Storage space is vital to keeping sensitive tools, equipment, and materials safely organized and helps keep workspaces free from clutter.
Unlike other furniture, storage doesn’t need floor space since vertical shelving and suspended cabinetry exist. When designing your facility, be sure to overestimate how much storage you need since you will likely accumulate more equipment, tools, and materials over time.
At OnePointe Solutions, we offer a wide range of laboratory casework and storage options that make it super simple to keep your lab safely organized. We can also accommodate various custom-building storage solutions to suit our customers’ needs.
Among standard cabinets and wall shelving, OnePointe Solutions offers the following types of storage casework:
- Base Cabinets
- Mobile Cabinets
- Modular & Fixed Reagent Shelving
- Sink Cabinets
- Suspended Cabinets
Tables & Workbenches
Every lab needs tables and workbenches for lab staff and research personnel to perform vital testing and analysis. Specific needs will vary depending on the type of work done in your facility, but all facilities should be outfitted with durable, comfortable, customizable workbenches.
Lab tables and workbenches can be made with a wide range of special features, durable materials, and custom accessories like casters, power strips, shelving, and more. Aside from special features, our laboratory workbenches can be made in various configurations and include ergonomic supports to facilitate a comfortable and efficient working environment.
Most importantly, we offer a wide range of laboratory countertop materials so you can choose the one that best suits your facility.
Seating
Like well-built workstations, ergonomic seating is an important component of any lab environment. Comfortable and designed to promote good, healthy posture, never think seating is something you should put aside.
Working with a Designer
If you are new to the lab design process and don’t know where to start, OnePointe Solutions can help guide you. Backed by a team of experienced and knowledgeable lab designers, you’ll be able to carefully assess the needs of your facility and make appropriate selections to create an efficient and safe environment.
Our team can help every step of the way, from organizing the floor plan/layout of your facility to selecting furniture, choosing materials, and installing important furniture and equipment.
Designing a lab is not easy, but having a team of experts can help you feel secure. The OnePointe Solutions team is an expert in lab design, lab furniture, and optimizing efficiency.
Our expertise extends beyond assisting clients with laboratory design objectives; we excel in crafting and constructing top-tier laboratory furniture. In our consultations, we tailor furniture solutions that meet our clients’ requirements.
Ready to Design Your Lab?
Call us at (866) 222-7494 to speak to a lab design specialist today. They will work with you to ensure your lab design goes smoothly.