Leeds, UK
Completed:
2021
Architect:
Associated Architects
Contractor:
Overbury, Styles & Wood
Product Used:
Exemplaire C Frame System, Height Adjustable Workstations, IPS, Pedestal, Utilaire
The Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds supports research across molecular and cellular biology, structural biology, microbiology, virology and other life sciences disciplines. As part of a £31 million investment programme, significant areas of the Grade II listed Garstang Building were refurbished to create modern research environments capable of supporting the Faculty’s growing academic and research community.
Designed by Associated Architects, the project addressed a laboratory estate that had evolved through numerous additions and refurbishments over many years. Individual schools and research groups occupied separate areas and often maintained their own specialist facilities, resulting in duplicated equipment, inefficient use of space and limited opportunities for collaboration. The redevelopment introduced a new model of open-plan laboratory and office environments, replacing isolated research areas with shared facilities designed to encourage collaborative working and make more effective use of specialist resources.
SB Laboratories was involved from the specification stage, providing specialist laboratory furniture expertise, budget costings and technical guidance to support the development of the laboratory environments. Working closely with Associated Architects and the wider project team, SB Laboratories helped develop furniture solutions tailored to the requirements of the refurbishment.
Delivered through a phased installation programme, the project included specialist biological sciences facilities across Levels 4 and 9. These comprised primary research laboratories, tissue culture laboratories, bacteriology laboratories, microscopy facilities, radiation laboratories, cold rooms and supporting laboratory spaces.
SB Laboratories manufactured and installed a comprehensive laboratory furniture package centred around the Exemplaire C-frame system. Island benches were fitted with suspended storage units and twin overhead shelving incorporating integrated gas and electrical services. Services were distributed from the soffit and routed through fixed service spines within the benching system.
The furniture package also incorporated Utilaire and Pedestal laboratory furniture systems, IPS service stations, height-adjustable benches and specialist storage solutions to support the diverse requirements of the facility.
The refurbishment established a more collaborative model for biological sciences research within the Garstang Building, providing specialist laboratory environments that make more effective use of shared facilities, equipment and research space across the Faculty.
The SB Labs manufacturing plant, showrooms and offices are always open for viewing and a member of staff would be happy to provide a guided tour at any time.
