Landcare Biolab XR laboratory

We built a 360sqm insect microbiology laboratory at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research’s Lincoln campus. The ground floor accommodates laboratory, office and ablutions spaces, while the mezzanine plant level is accessible via an external stair.

A highly specialised, extensively serviced facility, the laboratories are PC2 rated, negatively pressurised and have hydraulic, electrical and mechanical services integrated throughout. The plant on the mezzanine includes a reverse osmosis filtration system, vacuum pump, uninterruptible power supply, fume cupboard extract fans, electrical boards and fan coil units. Meticulous workmanship and thorough quality control meant there was no air leakage around the penetrations when the building was commissioned, with the air balancing achieved quickly.

An early threat to the programme emerged when the drainage heights proved to be much shallower than was allowed for in the design. We completed services identification works and provided buildability advice to the client team during the re-design.

The two-storey building has a steel portal frame structure on a concrete beam and topping slab foundation. The roof and cladding are both Kingspan insulated panel, which comes wrapped in layers of MDF, soft plastics and polystyrene. We worked with the subcontractor to ensure the packaging was recycled, even returning some to the supplier for reuse.

Our site was surrounded by existing buildings, including sensitive laboratories. We maintained an excellent relationship with the client, carefully planning and notifying them of works which could impact their wider operations.