Laboratory Refurbishment, Bracknell

The Opportunity

Afton required the existing HVAC system feeding seven laboratories on the ground floor of their Bullbrook Building to be replaced so that they are compliant with BS EN 14175 and HSG 258, and at the same time to improve diversity and utilisation of the fume cupboards and LEV systems.

To provide Afton with a ±10% estimate and a delivery programme, Austin were requested to develop a preliminary design to ascertain the most appropriate way to replace the HVAC system with minimal disruption, keeping all the other working laboratories operational. The design required reconfiguration of fume cupboards and laboratory benching in each of the seven laboratories along with modifications to associated process water, gases and, where possible, reusing existing benching.

Space constraints necessitated the ductwork systems be designed around existing services within the ceiling voids and overcoming physical building constraints of the occupied areas.

Modelling of maximum and minimum operational laboratory air flows with seasonal demand matching were required to assess the maximum chilled water and low temperature hot water system demands utilising heat recovery to ensure an energy efficient design.

Value engineering analysis, constructability reviews and construction planning reviews were undertaken to achieve construction efficiency and continuity.

Upon conclusion of the preliminary design, Afton required Austin to undertake the next stage through to completion.

The Solution

Afton required the existing HVAC system feeding seven laboratories on the ground floor of their Bullbrook Building to be replaced so that they are compliant with BS EN 14175 and HSG 258, and at the same time to improve diversity and utilisation of the fume cupboards and LEV systems.

To provide Afton with a ±10% estimate and a delivery programme, Austin were requested to develop a preliminary design to ascertain the most appropriate way to replace the HVAC system with minimal disruption, keeping all the other working laboratories operational. The design required reconfiguration of fume cupboards and laboratory benching in each of the seven laboratories along with modifications to associated process water, gases and, where possible, reusing existing benching.

Space constraints necessitated the ductwork systems be designed around existing services within the ceiling voids and overcoming physical building constraints of the occupied areas.

Modelling of maximum and minimum operational laboratory air flows with seasonal demand matching were required to assess the maximum chilled water and low temperature hot water system demands utilising heat recovery to ensure an energy efficient design.

Value engineering analysis, constructability reviews and construction planning reviews were undertaken to achieve construction efficiency and continuity.

Upon conclusion of the preliminary design, Afton required Austin to undertake the next stage through to completion.