Beyond placing benches and equipment in a room, creating a modern lab means designing a space that promotes safety, innovation, adaptability, and wellbeing. Whether for academic research, diagnostics, or commercial development, the right laboratory plan sets the foundation for long-term success.
Every effective plan begins with a deep understanding of what the lab is meant to achieve. Only then can the design reflect its mission.
Establish what the lab will be used for. Is it focused on chemical testing, biomedical research, or electronics prototyping? Each function demands different infrastructure, from cleanroom facilities to gas lines or high-voltage outlets. Get clear on workflows, daily routines, and technical demands from the start.
A lab that meets today’s needs but can’t grow will quickly become a limitation. Therefore, you should design with future expansion in mind. Think plug-and-play utilities, modular benches, and spaces that can transition from wet to dry labs if needed.
Don’t design in isolation. Early input from researchers, technicians, maintenance teams, and even IT staff can help avoid costly revisions later. Gather insights from those who will use the lab every day to ensure the final design is practical and future-proof.
A smart layout balances workflow, accessibility, and safety. Every inch must serve a purpose.
Create dedicated zones for tasks such as sample prep, analysis, storage, and write-up. Position equipment and stations to support logical, linear movement through the space to minimise cross-contamination and delays.
Open labs encourage collaboration and flexibility but can be noisy or less secure for sensitive work. Compartmentalised spaces provide control and containment. Often, a hybrid model works best, with open areas for general tasks and enclosed rooms for specialised procedures.
Under-bench storage, vertical shelving, and wall-mounted cabinetry keep worktops clear and tools close. Avoid the trap of cramming in more storage than needed. Instead, you should prioritise ease of access and logical organisation.
Corridors and work aisles must be wide enough to allow safe, unimpeded movement, even when trolleys or large equipment are in use. Emergency exits, safety showers, and fire extinguishers should always be clearly accessible.
Health and safety isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s integral to effective lab planning. Remember, ignoring regulations can result in serious legal, ethical, and operational consequences.
Follow UK regulations, including those set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Building Regulations, and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health). These dictate everything from ventilation rates to emergency provisions.
Adequate air exchange is critical. Depending on the type of work, this might mean fume cupboards, laminar flow hoods, or entire HVAC systems built for chemical or biological containment. Always factor in service routes for maintenance.
Install fire-resistant materials, smoke detectors, automatic alarms, and clearly marked escape routes. There should be compliant cabinets for flammables, and ensure that the extinguishers are suitable for chemical fires.
Plan for inclusion. That means adjustable benches, wheelchair-friendly routes, and height-accessible controls. Ergonomics also matters as comfortable, injury-free working positions are essential for long-term productivity.
Lab buildings are energy-intensive, but they don’t have to be wasteful. With a laboratory plan, you can drastically cut emissions and operational costs.
Use LED lighting with occupancy sensors, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and Energy Star-rated appliances where possible. Select low-power fume hoods or install variable airflow systems to match demand.
Opt for recycled or low-VOC materials during construction. Design spaces that make waste sorting and reduction easy, such as designated areas for chemical return and recycling.
Include low-flow taps, greywater systems, and chemical recycling units. These reduce waste and cut utility bills, while aligning your lab with circular economy principles.
Project Focus: Sherlock BioSciences
Project Focus: Sherlock BioSciencesaAt COEL, we collaborated with Sherlock BioSciences to transform a former warehouse into a high-performance laboratory and office environment that supports cutting-edge diagnostic development. Our laboratory planning approach enabled the creation of ISO 8 clean rooms, R&D and QC labs, and adaptable workspace, all within a technically complex structure. The design balanced scientific precision with a people-focused ethos, incorporating natural light, biophilic elements, and agile work zones to attract top talent and support flexible growth.
At COEL, we believe that a lab should support the people who use it, not just the science. Well-designed environments help enhance focus, reduce burnout, and attract top talent.
Height-adjustable benches, anti-fatigue mats, and appropriate seating make long hours at the bench or screen more manageable. Good posture isn’t just nice to have. It’s a health requirement.
Hard surfaces amplify sound. Consider acoustic panels, sound-absorbing flooring, and partitioning to reduce distractions and stress in busy labs.
Where possible, bring in natural light. Add plants or green views to reduce stress and promote calm. These touches improve your team’s mood and cognitive performance.
A space away from the bench encourages informal discussion, creative thinking, and stress relief. Provide a mix of quiet zones and social corners to suit different needs.
Science evolves fast; your lab should keep up. Flexibility in laboratory planning and design ensures labs can pivot with changing research priorities and technologies.
Use ceiling grids, raised floors, and adaptable utility connections to support fast changes in layout or equipment. Avoid fixed casework where mobile options would suffice.
Trolleys, mobile workbenches, and modular shelving make it easier to reconfigure the lab as teams and projects change. This promotes and supports agile research environments.
As part of your laboratory plan, ensure that you account for high data throughput, smart systems, and increasing demand for cloud-connected equipment. Install cable trays, extra sockets, and flexible networking solutions from the outset.
A modern lab must strike the right balance between function, safety, sustainability, and adaptability. By involving the right people, thinking long-term, and prioritising both science and wellbeing, you can design a modern laboratory that’s not only fit for purpose but also ready for the future.
At COEL, we specialise in laboratory planning and design that balances scientific precision with human-centred spaces. Whether you’re upgrading existing facilities or converting industrial units into cutting-edge labs, our team delivers tailored solutions that support innovation, compliance, and future growth. Get in touch today and let’s build a lab that works as hard as your science!
