At Evolve, we equip, maintain and design functional laboratory spaces that help support great minds so they can be free to create, invent and discover.
From our base in Malta, we work closely with our clients to identify and create perfect lab spaces. Our laboratory fit-out and refurbishment team will ensure that your fit-out complies with the current regulations and provides the ideal environment for your team to thrive.
You can even take a virtual walk-through of your lab before construction begins to visualize the dimensions and layout.
At Evolve, we’ve worked on dozens of major lab projects in recent years with a number of satisfied customers, including:
- Brewing giant Farsons
- Dubai Police forensic science laboratories
- University of Malta
- Semiconductor firm ST Microelectronics
- Pharma companies Aurobindo, Actavis and Pharmacare
- European Commission science laboratories in Brussels
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
- Montekristo Wine Estates
- Environment services agency Wasteserv
- Malta’s state-run public health laboratory in Valletta
A strategic approach
Before we even think about your laboratory’s fit-out and furnishings, we will assign a project team of specialists to perform a needs analysis with your key stakeholders.
This will involve:
- Assessing your existing lab workspace and how you use it (if applicable).
- Agreeing on your business objectives and what we can do to help you achieve them.
- Identifying any bespoke space requirements, whether practical, scientific or people-focused.
- Taking the time to understand your business and brand and how we can tailor a lab space that is personal to you.
- Looking forward to make sure the laboratory works for your team now and in the future.
- Working together to agree on realistic budgets and time frames to devise an achievable project plan
Usually, we will ask some questions to determine how we will design your space:
- Do you handle any harsh chemicals?
- Is there a need for vibration control? Is soundproofing important?
- Do you require cold storage space?
- Do you need an adequate workspace for larger-scale equipment?
- What about circulation access and egress? Do you require 24-hour access?
- Do you need room for future expansion?
- Do we need to consider the required adjacencies to enable a safer and more productive working environment?
- Are there any regulatory approvals or laboratory classifications to factor in (e.g., a category 2 laboratory or a cleanroom specification to meet ISO standards)?
Our lab designers are extremely adept at asking the right questions and offering expert insights so we can make the most out of your laboratory space and empower your scientists to ensure that their working methods are taken into account.
Meeting your needs
As purpose-built premises are becoming increasingly scarce, we understand that half of the battle is identifying the right space for your laboratory fit-out.
This often means that we help our clients fit out or refurbish spaces by repurposing existing commercial buildings as laboratories. As highly experienced lab fit-out experts, we can help re-imagine even the largest spaces by using intelligent techniques to carve out a dedicated workspace and state-of-the-art materials to create the ideal working conditions for your team.
Installing your laboratory
When designing your laboratory, our team will work closely with your scientists in order to gain an understanding of how they wish to use the space.
Indeed, we will allocate a laboratory fit-out specialist to manage the entire project, from planning and designing your lab to managing the installation. We can even supply the bespoke furniture and equipment needed to operate the laboratory.
Our process includes the following:
- Coordinated design of spatial and services requirements
- The strip-out process if required
- Structural changes
- Laboratory fit-out work, including partitioning, flooring and decorations
- Mechanical and electrical services
- Specialist monitoring of gases and the environment
- Provision of laboratory furniture and specialist equipment
- Commissioning of services and specialist systems
- Training staff how to operate new systems
Evolve’s in-house team of mechanical and electrical engineers specialise in the installation of laboratory services. As such, they understand what it takes to create the ideal conditions depending on how you plan to utilise the lab space.
Creating the perfect lab environment
As laboratory fit-out specialists, we understand that projects can differ depending on the science involved. But, they all have the same objective: to create the best possible environment for the scientists who work there.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Power
Adequate distribution of power is key to providing a flexible laboratory. A lab can also use twice as much power in order to maintain the strict conditions required to protect sensitive products or to operate high-tech equipment.
Therefore, extra care should always be taken when planning a laboratory refurbishment or fit-out. At COEL, we can help review your power requirements and ensure the building has sufficient provision.
Lighting and Heating
The amount of light and heat provided in a laboratory is often determined by what is required for the specific work being carried out in each area, rather than by the comfort of the workers.
Vibration Control
If you use sensitive microscopic equipment in your lab, the stability of the floor may need to be considered.
Gas Storage
If highly volatile gases are being used and stored in your laboratory, additional safety precautions must be taken. Furthermore, the system for using and managing these gases should be designed and installed by highly qualified experts. This includes the ongoing monitoring of critical factors such as oxygen depletion.
Air Handling and Filtering
The way in which air conditioning and ventilation systems are installed can have a significant impact on a lab’s success. Whether there is a high level of air changes or a strict pressure regime, everything must be carefully considered and planned prior to the laboratory fit-out.
How Evolve can help
At Evolve, we have built a solid reputation for providing our customers with high-quality services that create safe, efficient and highly functional workspaces. With over 25 years’ experience of installing, equipping and refurbishing laboratories, we have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to ensure your lab is always in capable hands.
We firmly believe that if you want something done properly, you should do it yourself. For this reason, we always ensure that our in-house mechanical and electrical specialists handle every aspect of our clients’ projects.
From planning and management to carrying out electrical and mechanical work, our engineers will provide you with the solutions you need. We will ensure that your premises and equipment are in excellent condition so that you can achieve the results that will meet or even exceed not only your industry standards but also your specific requirements too.
We understand and value the importance of having highly inspired and energised workers who love their workplace and everything they do. This motivates us to develop, maintain, and manage laboratories and research facilities that help our clients, and their employees make fantastic discoveries and be pioneers in their field.
Whether you are looking to improve the functionality and efficiency of your lab or you wish to create a safe and productive workspace for your scientists and researchers, our team at Evolve will be able to offer you the solutions you need. You can rely on our highly experienced and certified mechanical and electrical specialists to utilise their expertise in order to meet the needs of your lab so that you can achieve all your business objectives.
A sustainable approach to laboratory design
A standard laboratory uses five times as much energy and water per square metre as a conventional office building.
This is quite a responsibility, particularly for a purpose-built laboratory with new services that may significantly impact the surrounding natural and human environments. For this reason, when designing labs, the life sciences industry must place even greater importance on its sustainability responsibilities.
Some of the ways in which we can help our clients meet their sustainability goals include:
- Examining the lab’s energy and water requirements from a holistic perspective to identify areas for improved efficiency
- Encouraging recycling and sourcing recycled materials wherever possible
- Identifying ways of reducing harmful substances and waste
- Using materials and resources efficiently
- Creating a safe and comfortable environment to foster productivity
- Considering the impact of our newly built environment on its surrounding natural environment
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What else are you looking to do?
Whether you’re planning to build a new laboratory and need design advice, opening a new science-based business, changing direction, or dealing with the unexpected, we can provide the support and expert guidance to face your next steps with confidence.
For decades, Evolve is proud to have served scientists, technicians researchers, medical professionals and businesses in the healthcare and science industries.
To find out how we can save you time and give you one less thing to worry about, visit our Support Centre page.
