Lab Requirements
and Considerations
A guide for selecting, converting
or designing a lab building
Structure
Column Grid + Lab Module
22'-0" or 33'-0", derivative of 11'-0" lab module
YES
(describe)
NO
Column free mid-spans of 35'-50', exterior to core
YES
(describe)
If NO, consider how to absorb the columns in corridors.
1
NO
Minimum 100PSF live load for floor loads
(describe)
NO
13'-0" clear to bottom of structure
YES
NO
(describe)
If NO, low ceilings may conflict with lab equipment.
Vibration criteria meeting VC-A levels
YES
NO
(describe)
If NO, ask for a heat map or consider vibration tables.
Lab Requirements and Considerations
YES
Loading Dock
A minimum of two box truck-sized bays are provided
YES
(describe)
NO
Pathway to freight elevator has clear height and width
YES
NO
(describe)
Minimum 8'-0" height and 7'-0" width
Storage for supplies, chemicals and waste near dock
YES
(describe)
NO
Freight Elevator
Door size: 5'-0" wide and 8'-0" high
Cab size: 8'-0" deep
Weight capacity: 5,000 pounds*
YES
(describe)
*Elevator classification is key. Class A elevators can only be
loaded at 25% of it's actual capacity. Class C2 elevators can
take a one-piece load being moved on or off the elevator at
100% of the elevator's capacity.
2
NO
Electrical
10-15 watts/sf (30-50VA with plug loads + HVAC)
YES
(describe)
NO
If NO, is there a pathway for this infrastructure and how will
this cost be covered?
Standby power via generator(s)
YES
NO
(describe)
If NO, is there a pathway for this infrastructure and how will this
cost be covered?
Lab Requirements and Considerations
Power
HVAC
HVAC
Ventilation and exhaust airflow at 1.5 cfm/sf
YES
(describe)
NO
If NO, how will this cost be covered?
Zone level space conditioning at 2.5-3.5 cfm/sf
YES
(describe)
NO
If NO, how will this cost be covered?
Lab Rooftop Unit (with energy recovery)
YES
(describe)
NO
If NO, how will this cost be covered?
YES
(describe)
NO
3
Lab Exhaust Fans (with energy recovery)
DFU
Plumbing
Drainage fixture units at .0033 dfu/sf
YES
NO
If NO, how will this cost be covered?
(describe)
Lab Requirements and Considerations
If NO, how will this cost be covered?
Sufficient water service for non-office fire protection
YES
(describe)
NO
If NO, how will this cost be covered?
NO
Strong local academic and medical centers
YES
NO
Optional recruitment, participation of local faculty
YES
NO
Strong repeatable talent pool and pipeline
YES
NO
Organically growing pipeline for the workforce
YES
NO
Brand incubator company in the market
YES
NO
Brand vivaria company in the market
YES
NO
Live, work, play community
YES
NO
Local education in science and GMP
YES
NO
Identified as emerging market cluster
Local support and investment in innovation communities and development
YES
NO
YES
NO
Proximity to lab supply vendors
YES
NO
Proximity to lab operations vendors
YES
NO
Proximity to lab maintenance staff
Lab Requirements and Considerations
YES
4
Ecosystem and Amenities
The following will enhance the selected location: