Laboratories are evolving rapidly. Today’s research environments must do far more than accommodate technical processes. They need to support collaboration, attract talent, adapt to changing technologies and create positive experiences for the people working within them every day.
Without careful planning, laboratory spaces can quickly become restrictive, inefficient or difficult to adapt. In sectors where innovation moves at pace, it can have a direct impact on productivity, growth and scientific progress.
At COEL, we work with life sciences and technology businesses to create laboratories that balance technical precision with flexibility, wellbeing and performance. From wet labs and clean rooms to hybrid office and laboratory environments, successful lab space planning starts with understanding both the science and the people behind it.
Before planning begins, it is essential to identify the laboratory’s core operational requirements. These non-negotiables form the foundation of the entire design strategy.
Different laboratory types require vastly different environments. A wet lab handling chemicals and biological materials will have very different infrastructure needs compared to a dry lab focused on electronics or software development.
Some common laboratory environments include:
Wet laboratories typically involve chemicals, biological materials and liquid handling. These spaces require specialist extraction, contamination control and chemical-resistant finishes.
Dry laboratories are generally computer-based environments used for data analysis, engineering or electronics research. These spaces often prioritise power, connectivity and adaptable workstation layouts.
Research laboratories may combine wet and dry environments depending on the nature of the work being carried out. Flexibility is often a key consideration.
Optics and laser laboratories usually require enhanced environmental control, including stable temperature and humidity conditions, as well as vibration management.
Understanding the space’s purpose early on allows for more effective planning and future-proofing. Considering future headcount growth, changing research priorities, and hybrid working patterns can help ensure the laboratory remains operationally effective as the organisation evolves.
Laboratory equipment often dictates the design of the space around it. From specialist machinery and robotics to freezers and analytical instruments, understanding equipment requirements at the outset is critical.
Heavy equipment may require floor loading assessments, particularly in repurposed commercial buildings. Sensitive equipment may require vibration isolation or a temperature-controlled environment to maintain accuracy and reliability.
Acoustic performance should also be considered. Noisy equipment can disrupt concentration and impact adjacent office or write-up areas, making zoning and partitioning an important part of the planning process.
Early coordination with equipment manufacturers can help determine utility requirements, commissioning processes and access needs. Ceiling-mounted service carriers and integrated service spines can also improve flexibility while reducing clutter across workspaces.
Coordinating equipment requirements early helps avoid costly changes later and ensures the laboratory operates efficiently from day one.
Storage requirements vary considerably depending on the type of laboratory and the materials being used.
Chemical storage must comply with strict regulations and should be carefully integrated into the layout to support safe handling and movement throughout the space. Hazardous substances may require dedicated ventilated cabinets or fire-rated storage areas.
General laboratory storage should also support organisation and workflow efficiency. Integrating overhead shelving, under-bench storage, and mobile units can help maximise space while keeping work areas clear and uncluttered.
Planned storage contributes to both safety and productivity.
Laboratories rarely remain static for long. Research evolves, teams grow and technologies change, which means flexibility should be embedded into the design wherever possible.
Modular laboratory furniture allows spaces to be reconfigured without extensive refurbishment. Mobile benches, adaptable shelving and integrated service spines create laboratories that can evolve alongside scientific requirements.
Fixed elements such as sinks and specialist services should generally be positioned around perimeter zones to preserve flexibility within the central working areas.
Height-adjustable workstations and ergonomic seating also support comfort and accessibility, helping teams work more effectively over longer periods.
Designing for flexibility not only improves operational efficiency but also significantly reduces future churn costs and minimises disruption as laboratory needs change over time.
Mechanical and electrical services form the backbone of any laboratory. The complexity of these systems will depend heavily on the building type and the laboratory’s technical requirements.
When repurposing offices or commercial buildings into laboratory environments, early feasibility assessments are essential. Existing infrastructure may require significant upgrades to support specialist ventilation, drainage and power demands.
Considerations include:
Ventilation requirements vary between laboratory types, but all laboratories require carefully controlled airflow. Ceiling heights and service voids must accommodate ductwork, extraction systems and filtration equipment.
Some laboratories may require HEPA filtration, pressure cascades, or high air change rates to maintain safe and compliant environments. Demand-driven ventilation systems and heat-recovery technology can also improve energy efficiency.
Wet laboratories handling chemicals may require specialist drainage systems and corrosion-resistant pipework. Flooring materials should also be selected to withstand chemical exposure.
Some laboratory environments require enhanced water supply systems, including booster tanks or backflow prevention measures, depending on operational requirements.
Laboratories increasingly depend on resilient power and high-speed connectivity. Backup power supplies and smart building monitoring systems can help protect research continuity and improve operational control. Planning for future capacity is critical as technologies continue to advance.
A coordinated M&E strategy ensures the laboratory remains safe, compliant and operationally efficient.
Laboratory environments operate within a complex regulatory landscape, making compliance a critical part of the planning process.
Requirements may include fire compartmentation, DSEAR considerations, specialist extraction standards and CDM regulations. Depending on the nature of the laboratory, validation and commissioning processes may also be required before occupation.
Engaging compliance specialists early helps reduce risk and ensures approvals, testing and documentation are managed effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
Designing with compliance in mind from the outset can help avoid costly redesigns later and provide confidence that the laboratory will operate safely and efficiently.
Modern laboratories are no longer isolated technical environments. Collaboration and knowledge sharing play a vital role in driving innovation, making open and connected spaces increasingly valuable.
Large open areas can provide space for shared equipment and encourage interaction between teams. Visibility between laboratory and office environments also helps create stronger connections across the business.
Glazed partitions are often used to maintain environmental separation while preserving openness and natural light throughout the space.
These integrated environments also support talent attraction, investor engagement, and cross-functional collaboration between scientific, operational and commercial teams. Laboratories are increasingly expected to reflect organisational culture as well as technical capability.
Laboratory work can be highly focused and intensive. Providing staff with spaces to step away from the clinical environment is essential for wellbeing and productivity.
Breakout areas create opportunities for informal collaboration, decompression and social interaction. Incorporating softer finishes, comfortable seating and biophilic design elements can create a welcome contrast to technical laboratory spaces.
These environments often become valuable hubs for spontaneous conversation and idea sharing, helping strengthen communication across teams and departments.
Acoustic comfort and neurodiverse design considerations can also improve the workplace experience. Quiet spaces for focused work or decompression support a broader range of working styles and individual needs.
For Sherlock Biosciences, COEL designed welcoming breakout spaces alongside laboratory facilities, including relaxed seating areas, a communal kitchen and exposed industrial features that balanced functionality with comfort.
Internal glazing and viewing windows can provide several practical and cultural benefits within laboratory environments.
From a security perspective, they allow visibility into technical spaces without compromising controlled conditions. They also provide opportunities to showcase scientific work to visitors, investors and collaborators.
Natural transparency between spaces can help create a more connected and engaging workplace experience, reducing the sense of separation often associated with laboratory environments.
Lighting has a significant impact on both laboratory functionality and employee wellbeing.
Maximising natural light wherever possible can reduce energy consumption and create healthier, more uplifting working environments. Open layouts and glazed elements help connect spaces with the outdoors, improving the overall experience for users.
Artificial lighting should be carefully layered to support different activities, from detailed bench work to collaborative spaces and breakout areas. Glare reduction and accurate colour rendering are also important considerations in scientific environments where precision matters.
Some laboratories are now incorporating circadian lighting systems to support wellbeing and help regulate energy levels throughout the working day.
Forward-thinking laboratories are also increasingly considering sustainable lighting strategies alongside wider environmental initiatives such as green roofs, solar energy and heat recovery systems.
Laboratory teams often spend long periods within controlled environments. Providing easy access to outdoor areas can positively impact wellbeing, concentration, and overall job satisfaction.
Terraces, balconies and landscaped outdoor spaces give employees opportunities to reset, recharge and reconnect away from technical environments. Even small external breakout spaces can make a meaningful difference to workplace experience.
Designing with people in mind is just as important as designing for process.
Laboratories are typically energy-intensive environments, often consuming significantly more energy than standard office buildings. Embedding sustainability into the planning process is therefore increasingly important.
Considering embodied carbon within materials and construction methods can help reduce environmental impact from the outset. Reusing existing infrastructure, furniture or building elements where possible can also contribute to a more circular approach.
Energy-efficient ventilation systems, LED lighting, and intelligent building controls all support reduced operational energy use. Sustainable planning should balance environmental responsibility with the technical demands of laboratory environments.
Creating adaptable spaces that remain relevant for longer also reduces the need for future refurbishment, helping extend the lifecycle of the laboratory investment.
Successful laboratory environments require careful planning, technical expertise and a clear understanding of the people using the space.
At COEL, we provide a full turnkey laboratory design and fit out service, supporting clients from initial concept through to completion. Our in-house teams cover laboratory planning, interior design, fit-out, furniture, mechanical and electrical services, and ongoing maintenance.
By combining technical precision with thoughtful workplace design, we create laboratory environments that support innovation, collaboration and growth.
Whether you are planning a new laboratory, repurposing an existing building or expanding your current facilities, our team can help you create a space built for the future.
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