LIFE SCIENCE CONSTRUCTION

Construction for life sciences involves designing and building specialized technical spaces that meet the specific needs of the particular science being performed. The two types of lab space that are most commonly built in todays market are for Biology and Chemistry uses. Within these spaces, there can be highly specialized areas such as BSL-2 and BSL-3 labs, NMR rooms, Immunology, Histology, and oftentimes small to mid-size vivariums. As science evolves from research and testing to small scale manufacturing and large production facilities, needs change to include cGMP areas, pilot plants, specialty environmental rooms, clean rooms, and hazardous material storage areas. Most recently, we are seeing emerging trends in food technology and production facilities to meet the needs of alternative food sources.

Life science buildings face unique challenges when it comes to balancing form and function. They are heavily regulated spaces that must satisfy international, governmental, and environmental standards. At the same time, they must be designed and built to support the needs of different life sciences facilities now and in the future. With that in mind, most of the nuances within a life science project involve creating a controlled environment that regulates temperature, air change rates, humidity, and other environmental factors. Specialty gasses for use in experiments and other processes will also be prevalent along with ultra-pure water (often called a RODI system) and hazardous material containment. Typically, labs will consume up to five times more power than a typical office space, so careful attention is paid towards the provision of electrical connections to specific equipment found in a lab as well as provisions for emergency power back up in the event of a black out or other natural disaster that could cause millions of dollars in loss.

The imperative to save time and money is the driving force behind the trend of converting office and industrial buildings into life science facilities. Not every building is suitable for renovation, and design specifications differ from one industry to the next. Additionally, owners must consider how to position their offering to be as flexible as possible to suit a wide variety of users while maintaining sustainable design practices due to the volatile nature of many life science companies whose average life space can be less than the lease period they commit to when occupying a newly built space. The primary factors to consider when selecting a site to re-position are 1. Clear height between floors 2. Composition of the roof and floor structure 3. Electrical service size 4. Space for large mechanical equipment yards, gas tanks, and misc equipment yards. Consulting and engaging a general contractor for due-dilligence and assistance with site selection is vitally important as they will bring the necessary expertise and knowledge to provide conceptual budgeting and construction feasibility when contemplating such a complex and capital intensive endeavor.