ESR Lab Refit

The team has been using the lab at max capacity for almost seven months, and there are no defects to date! It is quite an achievement to have been going for this long, and everything is working and performing as specified for a project that was quite heavy on mechanical services. Thank you so much for all your efforts in this job. The team at ESR is very happy with their lab - Kelly Armstrong, ESR Project Manager.

Our Canterbury team have refurbished the existing trace organic chemistry lab and conjoined support spaces up to a PC2 level (non-certified) laboratory. This comprised a sizeable mechanical scope, plumbing and electrical changes, and wall layouts. Some changes to the scope also included mechanical equipment and minor modifications to door finishes and sills.

The space designated for the fit-out had been stripped before our work commenced, allowing us to fire-seal existing openings and adapt services as they entered the space from the surrounding rooms or occupied labs. The substrate structure included the outer walls and ceiling to the floor above. The outer walls had some accessible panelling, which stayed for service routes.

Working within an existing building, especially surrounded by operational labs, posed a significant challenge throughout the project. However, effective communication, coordination, and meticulous planning resulted in a successful outcome, satisfying the client. Key challenges included prolonged lead times for mechanical equipment and the global sourcing of items. Additionally, aligning health and safety protocols with the client’s secure building requirements was imperative.

The Cook Brothers team demonstrated a strong positive culture and integrated very well with our staff on site - Kelly Armstrong

Despite the challenging conditions and tight time frames, the site team has maintained a positive atmosphere, driven by the shared goal of completing the project on time and to the highest quality.