ALS Labs Ltd | University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre

Shem Sacewicz (Senior Associate, HOK London):
“The ARC demonstrates how careful planning and excellent execution can deliver results that meet high expectations and a broad spectrum of requirements. Our speculative approach, with surrogate users mimicking interdisciplinary research teams, paid off handsomely. It gave me the information and insights I needed to design unusually versatile labs. The mock-up stage supplied us with extensive reviews by future users. And finally, ALS Labs Ltd turned the concept into a modular, highly functional furniture range. It has been in use for about a year now, and judging by the user feedback, it is fit for purpose across the board”

Gary Sprawling (Managing Director, ALS Labs Ltd):
“We used Trespa® TopLab® in 20mm for the worktops and 16mm for the shelving. In addition, Trespa® TopLab® was used to manufacture specific, ventilated storage cabinets and waterproof plinths. FlexModular has become part of our range of bespoke lab solutions. All components are designed on our CAD/CAM software and cut to size on our HOMAG CNC system. This configuration combines outstanding flexibility with utmost precision. The modular concept behind this new range is ideal in a BIM environment. In such a case, it optimises, right from the start, the integration and coordination with the wider project design; as was the case with the ARC”

Andrew Tobin (Professor of Molecular Pharmacology, Founding Director of the ARC):
“The ARC, and the principles behind it, have been a long-term goal of the University. As a name, it encompasses our vision to conduct collaborative, out-of-reach research that has real societal impact. It is so much more than a building. We want to take a shared vision and expertise from across all areas of the University community to genuinely transform the way we do research, with the ultimate aim of changing the lives of the people, community and world around us.”

Main Contractor

- Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd

Architect

- HOK

Completed

- 2021

Location

- Glasgow, Scotland

Works Undertaken

- Laboratory Furniture

Description

Liasing with a Fife-based fitting team, this project involved developing a fully modular, service integrated furniture system, FlexModular, to outfit four floors of laboratories at the University of Glasgow's newly constructed, five-storey, £298m Advanced Research Centre on Dumbarton Road.
Through either a central, floor mounted, space-efficient prefabricated steel ‘spine’ with provision for integrated adjustable shelving, or an overhead, suspended gantry, services are delivered to mobile or freestanding modular benching complimented by our full range of storage cabinetry. This modular benching utilises a newly developed proprietary extruded rail, designed to combine the benefits of both the Cleanline & 3R systems; on-site flexibility, full prefabrication, rapid assembly and a clean internal fixing design with the option to add removable rear panelling to conceal services.
The modular nature of this system is ideal for projects utilising BIM, and we are able to offer architects and main contractors .rfa files covering the full range of modules within the system to enable integration and coordination with the wider project design, particularly service integration, at the earliest possible stages.

Gallery

Benching and service distribution at the advanced research centre

Furniture

Benching Systems

FlexModular

Cabinets

Mobiles / Pedestal Sinks / Tall & Wall Storage

Finishes

Worksurface: Trespa TopLab Plus - White (T03.0.0)
Framework: Platinum Grey (RAL7036) Semi Gloss
Cabinets:
    Carcase: Lava Grey (U3057 VL)
    Doors/Drawers: Coral Red (U148 PE)
    Trim: Coral Red
    Handles: 201 Grade Stainless Steel 'D' Type

Service distribution spine with benching and integrated shelving at the advanced research centre

BIM / CAD image from the advanced research centre

Sink, service riser and open plan furniture

Compact laboratory space at the advanced research centre

laboratory furniture against curtain walling

University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre laboratory furniture

The Advanced Research Centre co-locates diverse research teams and ideas in an innovative space, designed to stimulate cross-disciplinary activities by removing disciplary and organisational structures and external barriers.

Teams at the ARC are engaged in disciplines including Quantum Computing, Earth Observation, Water Treatment, Digital Chemistry and more, with specific projects relating to Malaria, Alzheimers and Climate Change.

The University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre

Additionally, Trespa have carried out interviews with Shem Sacewicz, Senior Associate and specialist for science related assignments at HOK London, end users at the ARC, and our MD, Gary Sprawling.

Trespa: UoG ARC Case Study

Trespa UoG ARC Case Study (PDF)