Share thisThe Modular Laboratory Solution: What’s Similar, What’s Unique, and What’s New ?
The use of modular turnkey building technologies in higher-end construction applications, such has MRI facilities, dialysis clinics, research laboratories, BSL3 diagnostic and research facilities, and vivariums, has increased dramatically over the past five years. Building materials, processes, and the knowledge and experience with the specialized laboratory mechanical, electrical, plumbing, control and security systems, and integrated equipment have all steadily improved for the experienced custom modular laboratory manufacturer. Modular animal research facilities have successfully proven their capability to protect valuable animal research by weathering severe hurricane seasons, they are 100% code compliant, and have met NIH requirements to support research for more than 20 years. These capabilities lead the turnkey modular solution to emerge as a viable, reliable, permanent, or shorter-term solution for some laboratory animal research and general laboratory or BSL3 research requirements. Permanent modular vivariums are sufficiently widespread to offer comprehensive references and site visit opportunities from leading specialized builders.
Several driving forces compel consideration of a modular turnkey solution. Time is usually the critical driving force. A complete turnkey modular vivarium is delivered research-ready 120 days from receipt of the initial engineering purchase order to proceed. Other considerations include flexibility of design and the possibility to relocate the facility at a later date. Modular construction affords flexibility to install the facility seamlessly next to an existing facility, as a stand-alone separate facility (providing for excellent protocol management), inside a warehouse or large shell structure, or even on top of an existing structure. Modular facilities allow for flexible financing alternatives, including leasing as an alternative to the possible use of operating budgets rather than capital budgets. Modular vivarium pricing provides firm-fixed project pricing and project schedules. Unlike renovation projects and certain construction projects that can vary widely from initial budgets and estimates, modular construction is a manufactured project delivered to the price indicated that is based on a firm design agreement. Manufacturing schedules are unaffected by weather or other subcontractor issues that usually allow for accurate timetables.
Vivarium Design Drivers, Spaces
Vivariums are embedded in the basements of laboratory buildings, built as separate conventional structures connected to an existing lab building, completely independent from an existing lab building, or built in any of the ways mentioned above as a modular turnkey structure. All of these vivarium implementations share similar design drivers and types of spaces.