Start
Services
Laboratory
Laboratory planning construction

Laboratory design and construction – tackling tomorrow’s challenges today

Mastering complexity – together with experienced lab experts

You may have experienced it yourself: when designing, building or modernizing a laboratory in the chemical, pharmaceutical or biotech industries, it often feels like you’re starting from scratch. Each time, you have to effectively integrate a wide range of requirements – from thoughtful room programming and equipment fit-out to health, safety, sustainability, environmental protection and cost efficiency.

Questions to ask yourself before designing a laboratory

What solution is the perfect fit for my needs?
What regulatory requirements apply to my lab operations?
What do I have to do to remain competitive in the long term?
How can I create an ideal work environment for my lab team?
How can I prepare my lab for digital transformation?

“No other area in a chemical or pharmaceutical operation involves as many diverse requirements as the laboratory. To avoid costly, time-consuming and resource-intensive corrections shortly after construction, it’s essential to plan carefully from the very beginning – ideally with seasoned experts who are deeply familiar with all aspects of laboratory design.”

Legal compliance – stay on top with Infraserv

International and national regulations define the framework for a future-proof, scalable laboratory solution, including:

EU Climate Regulation (EU) 2021/1119
German Federal Immissions Control Act (BImSchG)
Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG)
Hazardous Substances Regulation (GefStoffV)
Biological Agents Regulation (BioStoffV)
Energy Conservation Act (EnEG)
Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG)
Waste Shipment Act (AbfVerbrG)
Regional building codes

For many companies, keeping up with current regulations can be challenging amid daily operations. Infraserv’s lab experts, who advise numerous companies at Industriepark Höchst and beyond on all things laboratory, are always up to date on the legal aspects of lab design. For you, that means: more time for your core tasks!

Designing spaces and resources for future needs

The tremendous pace of change in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech markets demands high levels of flexibility, innovation and forward thinking from companies. Lab layouts and equipment also have to be continuously adapted to meet new requirements. This is best achieved through strategic planning that focuses both on long-term operational efficiency and on creating a consistently productive work environment.

Key factors in achieving this include:

Flexible room layouts and equipment fit-outs
Easy expandability, such as through modular construction
Ergonomically designed workstations arranged for functionality, efficiency and safety, and easily adapted to changing needs
Optimized workflows through short walking distances and quick access to work equipment
Effective communication and collaboration within the lab
Efficient interdisciplinary networking with other departments
Compliance with all building safety, occupational safety and environmental protection requirements
Proper and compliant storage and disposal of materials

Health, safety, security and risk assessment

Lab safety – which includes occupational safety, fire protection and immission control – is about more than compliance. It’s about building a space that minimizes risks to employees and the environment from the outset. Solutions like effective climate control and exhaust systems or enclosures help ensure a healthy, low-exposure work environment that supports employee well-being without compromising lab functionality.

Lab attractiveness is becoming increasingly important by combining functionality with aesthetics and helping employees feel comfortable at work.

Alexander Gärtner, Infraserv Höchst

Key tip: Involve the people who will work in the lab during the design phase. They can offer valuable insights into avoidable hazards and ways to make processes as efficient as possible! This helps ensure employee needs are considered from the very first sketches.

Mandatory risk assessments – which are also part of Infraserv’s service portfolio – ensure that potential hazards for lab staff are identified and mitigated before commissioning, and that all relevant regulations are fully complied with.

Environmental protection and sustainability from the design phase on

The EU Climate Regulation has played a key role in prompting laboratories to adopt stricter standards for environmental sustainability and eco-friendliness. Companies are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint in laboratories as well and, wherever possible, to use sustainable materials that can ideally be recycled within closed loop systems.

In any case, rigorous sustainability strategies have already proven to be effective tools for positioning companies as responsible players in the market. Environmental awareness and the thoughtful use of natural resources are now key factors in shaping a positive corporate image.

Ideally, energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and measures to optimize emissions and exposure should not drive up laboratory costs. That’s why it’s wise to integrate sustainability and environmental protection into lab design from the very beginning.

Your contact