Is the Property Industry really following the Science?

04 May

Is the Property Industry really following the Science?

‘We are following the science’ has become one of the best used phrases in the media over recent months. We acknowledge that scientists are then quick to point out that the use of such a phrase only demonstrates a person’s lack of understanding of the fundamental nature of science.

‘Follow the science’ does however seem a reasonable recommendation to property professionals as they strive to become key players in the scientific market & gain benefit from the huge levels of investment being made.

At Bulb Laboratories we design & fit out new & existing buildings generally as Containment Level 2 or Containment Level 3 laboratories. Many of the buildings were never originally intended for use as laboratories or are modern ‘warehouse’ type buildings providing a blank canvas.

For many landlords we provide advice on the capability of a building to meet a client need or assist the tenant directly in making a building choice.

The current lock-down has given us all more quality time to listen to online discussions & read articles relating to the ambitions of the property sector. It is however apparent that most discussions still focus on bemoaning the lack of suitable buildings available & use the tried & tested, even age-old property handbooks for attracting tenants & identifying what the built form might be. The conversations are all about buildings.

architectural drawings

Source - Designed by mindandi / Freepik

Fundamental to Bulb’s advice is that we insist on talking about science NOT buildings. Our aim is to bridge the gap in understanding between science & construction.

It is crucial to understand the ambition of the laboratory user both in the short & longer term. Most laboratory users will provide an excellent background to the field within which they are operating & the typical processes used in each laboratory. The challenge then comes in developing that into a compliant workflow & identifying the implications this will have on the building & its operation.

Even once that is achieved, we have a duty to not stop there & to consider what the future might bring. Ask ‘where will the science lead you’.

We are all familiar with the exciting journey new start-up companies take; leaving the University having achieved research funding with further funding on the horizon to develop the product for manufacture or future development.

Our experience in the local market has seen numerous companies acquire space which is appropriate on start-up only to then fall well short once the implications of the company’s growth are identified. The gap in understanding is so glaring with several high-profile buildings, even some marketed for laboratory use, still running into difficulty later.

laboratory equipment

Source - Designed by pressfoto / Freepik

At Bulb the secret of every project success is to have gained both a full understanding of the business brief AND a detailed design knowledge of every aspect of the workflow.

Most tenants will still encounter the reactive ‘tell us what you want’ contractor approach justifiably providing a competitive price & delivering only what is asked for. Our alternative approach clearly demonstrates significantly greater value in identifying a long-term property solution AND even better, a fit out so accurately delivered it is right first time with the option of building in flexibility for when you ‘follow the science’.

Many landlords & major occupiers have building stock under utilised that were never intended for laboratory use. A relatively simple appraisal of such a building, undertaken of course with a scientific understanding, could reveal many more suitable buildings that already exist. Clearly there may be limitations on use but not necessarily prohibitive to basic Containment Level 2 use.

Given the potential for even greater short-term demand for laboratory space it is vital that the traditional approach to building selection is reconsidered. By bridging the gap between the science & property sectors, we could find the route to the UK’s future success.

Derek Jones
Managing Director – Pre-contracts
Bulb Interiors & Laboratories

Benching

Laboratory benching forms a central part of any laboratory and procuring the laboratory benching to suit your equipment needs and budget is important to us.

If you prefer fixed, robust benching or modular benching that offers flexibility and reconfiguration, our laboratory furniture manufacturers can deliver the perfect solution.

furniture fittings benching

Worktops

Depending on your research focus your worktop design requirements might change to allow:

  • Chemical resistance
  • Bacterial resistance
  • Water & moisture resistance
  • Durability & scratch resistance
  • Ease of cleaning
  • High impact

Trespa Toplab Base is the industry favourite, but we can offer alternative worktops such as Corian, Stainless Steel, Epoxy Resin, Hardwood, Phenolic Resin to match your needs.

furniture fittings worktops

Shelving

We offer both wall mounted and benchtop shelving for reagents, typically in either 18mm MFMDF or 16mm Trespa Toplab Base. Wall shelving is mounted on a bracket system, while benchtop shelving is typically supported by fabricated steel frame.

furniture fittings worktops

Fume Cupboards & Extract

Properly ventilated Fume Cupboards offer a safe way to handle chemicals and solvents in laboratories.

From ducted to portable ductless Fume Cupboards, our specialist and experienced partners are at hand to advise and install the right solution.

We provide Fume Cupboards manufactured and installed to meet the industry requirements (e.g. BS EN 14175) in various sizes (External Width 1000mm - 1200mm - 1500mm - 1800mm - 2000mm), Specifications and types (Bench Mounted, Walk In, Double Fronted, Integral Scrubber, HF Type, Thin Wall Bench Mounted) to meet your requirements and safe extraction.

Unsure of what type to go for? Our lab furniture suppliers can help, just get in touch.

furniture fittings worktops

Safety Cabinets

If you prefer fixed, robust benching or modular benching that offers flexibility and reconfiguration, our laboratory furniture manufacturers can deliver the perfect solution.

Whether you need Class I, II or III to handle Hazard Group 1 to 4 pathogens we can recommend suitable furniture suppliers.

furniture fittings worktops

Specialist & Other Requirements

If you have any specific needs such as Cold Room or Clean Room installation services, Industrial Gases, Liquid Nitrogen, Non-ionising Radiation (LASER), Plumbing, Temperature & Humidity Control or other, we can help.

furniture fittings worktops