Creating an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive

University of Newcastle, ATC Laboratories

When the University of Newcastle was looking to target market growth in the robotics and smart technology areas, they knew they needed new, upgraded labs to make it happen. Our team was there to help along the way.

This project involved the major upgrade of an existing building to house new wet labs, organic and inorganic analytical laboratories, a physical containment level 2 (PC2) microbiological lab, a material science lab, a remediation lab, and x-ray diffraction lab. It also included developing an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) lab, cool rooms, and a PC2 receiving store. Due to constraints associated with the existing building, our team implemented an innovative plant strategy to best make use of the limited available space while optimising performance to balance energy consumption and operational performance. A key element of this project was the mechanical engineering: each of the labs needed to have separate mechanical plants, air handling, and separated systems to keep students and staff safe while doing research.

With the project now complete, the University of Newcastle can provide students the opportunity to learn, discover, and perform cutting-edge research on robotics and smart technology.