FAQ's

Answers to frequently asked questions

About Bulb Laboratories

Do you work closely with construction, developers and architects?

Yes, we work very closely with the developers, architects, engineers and construction team. The Bulb team has a solid construction industry experience and are able to contribute significantly from the very early stages of a project.

Bulb would seek to document the client brief and use this as the basis for the appraisal of any new or existing buildings. We can then influence the design and construction of the developer’s building ensuring a seamless handover for the fit-out of the interior.

What stage of work do you cover?

We take over projects at various stages of construction but ideally, we would seek to take over the construction project once the building shell and main plant areas are completed.

Do you develop office spaces?

Yes, we have extensive experience in office design and fit-out and can introduce the modern ways of working. Check out our website www.bulbinteriors.com for details and case studies.

Do you offer lab relocation services?

We partner with highly experienced lab relocation services companies.

Can you help us with regulatory compliance?

Yes, we have experienced and trained scientific team members wo can guide you through the regulatory compliance process e.g. GLP, GMP, UKAS etc. We will ensure that necessary design and delivery compliance is achieved for your project. Where needed, we can partner with external consultants for added reassurance e.g. DSEAR, GMP.

Can you help us with our internal health and safety?

We can help you with basic health and safety requirements during design and construction stages but would strongly recommend seeking independent advice for operational matters.

Can you deliver GMP projects?

Yes, we can. We’ve just delivered a GMP facility awaiting MHRA approval.

What kind of laboratories can you deliver?

We can deliver wet labs, dry labs, clean rooms, engineering spaces, production areas, analysis and manufacturing and many more. We feel confident that we can deliver most types of laboratories up to biosafety level 3.

What kind of laboratories don’t you want to get involved with?

At the moment, we won’t get involved in BSL4, biosafety level 4 labs for biological research.

Which sectors do you serve?

Life sciences, Biotechnology, Petrochemicals, Food & Beverage, Nanotechnology, Chemicals, Medical Devices and related.

Can you help us with budgeting our lab fit-out or refurbishment? We are applying for a research funding; can you help us with fit-out costs and cost breakdown?

Yes, we certainly can. Our staged consultancy approach begins with a concept scheme, budget cost & programme which will allow clients a more informed basis for decisions.

Why is your fit-out/refurbishment quote is higher than some other quotes we received?

We can demonstrate that our costs are competitive and transparent. Whilst we recommend not compromising on quality, ultimately the cost decisions remain under the clients control.

Our background is in construction and science; we ensure that your labs are safe, compliant and right first time. Often, the more significant costs associated with lab fitouts are in the engineering & achievement of compliance. Such elements can be unseen & often unexpected by clients e.g. ventilation, plumbing, emergency systems; hence costs can appear more than other companies who do not have expertise like ours.

Our Experience

Have you put together Category 2 microbiology labs?

Yes, we understand the laboratory health & safety requirements and have team members with significant hands-on laboratory work (in Category 2 microbiology and chemistry labs).

Have you put together chemical analytical labs?

Yes. One of our first projects was for a chemical analysis laboratory at Environmental Scientifics Group (now SOCOTEC) and later at Britvic.

What size of labs have you done? We are looking at developing about 30,000 sq. ft. of lab space.

We are very confident to take on a project of 30,000 sq. ft. in size.

Examples of some of our laboratory & office projects are:

Laboratory Case Studies

  • Britvic - 18,400 sq. ft.
  • Environmental Scientifics Group – 14,000 sq. ft.
  • Oxitec – 24,000 sq. ft. (as 4 phases)

Office Case Studies

  • Action for Children – 43,000 sq. ft.
  • Amgen – 24,000 sq. ft in occupation.
  • Jazz Pharmaceuticals – 27,000 sq ft in 2 phases

Do you have experience in delivering projects in pharmaceutical environments?

Yes, we do and we are currently working with some pharmaceutical contract research manufacturers.

Lab Installations

Do you supply/buy laboratory equipment or instruments?

We supply ducted fume cupboards and cold rooms as part of our laboratory furniture package. However, for all other equipment/instrument we advise clients to order their own. If needed, we can recommend suppliers. Once the equipment list is final, we ensure that all are properly placed on the new layout and required services are provided.

Do you install equipment?

Yes, we can install equipment. We liaise with your supplier to find a mutually agreeable way.

Do you provide 3D digital designs?

Yes, these can be provided by our interior designers and specialist suppliers.

Do you organise or install flooring?

Yes, this forms an integral part of any fit-out project. A wide range of products are available.

Are you able to install exhaust such as those that hang down from ceilings on a moveable arm?

Yes, it is a relatively simple installation.

Do you install gas and electrical points?

Yes, it forms the part of the detailed design and installation undertaken with our mechanical, electrical and other specialist sub-contractors.

Do you handle and install external gas stores?

Yes, we do handle and install external gas stores. We can manage the approval process with landlords and local authorities and thereafter carry out the installation.

Do you install gas alarms and monitors?

Yes, we do install gas alarms and monitors e. g. oxygen deficiency alarms to avoid asphyxiation.

Do we have to create a basic laboratory sketch?

You don’t need to; our team will work with you to create a compliant and efficient design.

How much space do we need for x number of scientific users?

It depends on the nature of your research and there is no set rule. During our initial consultation, we can advise if the chosen space is adequate or what size to look for.

Benching

Laboratory benching forms a central part of any laboratory and procuring the laboratory benching to suit your equipment needs and budget is important to us.

If you prefer fixed, robust benching or modular benching that offers flexibility and reconfiguration, our laboratory furniture manufacturers can deliver the perfect solution.

furniture fittings benching

Worktops

Depending on your research focus your worktop design requirements might change to allow:

  • Chemical resistance
  • Bacterial resistance
  • Water & moisture resistance
  • Durability & scratch resistance
  • Ease of cleaning
  • High impact

Trespa Toplab Base is the industry favourite, but we can offer alternative worktops such as Corian, Stainless Steel, Epoxy Resin, Hardwood, Phenolic Resin to match your needs.

furniture fittings worktops

Shelving

We offer both wall mounted and benchtop shelving for reagents, typically in either 18mm MFMDF or 16mm Trespa Toplab Base. Wall shelving is mounted on a bracket system, while benchtop shelving is typically supported by fabricated steel frame.

furniture fittings worktops

Fume Cupboards & Extract

Properly ventilated Fume Cupboards offer a safe way to handle chemicals and solvents in laboratories.

From ducted to portable ductless Fume Cupboards, our specialist and experienced partners are at hand to advise and install the right solution.

We provide Fume Cupboards manufactured and installed to meet the industry requirements (e.g. BS EN 14175) in various sizes (External Width 1000mm - 1200mm - 1500mm - 1800mm - 2000mm), Specifications and types (Bench Mounted, Walk In, Double Fronted, Integral Scrubber, HF Type, Thin Wall Bench Mounted) to meet your requirements and safe extraction.

Unsure of what type to go for? Our lab furniture suppliers can help, just get in touch.

furniture fittings worktops

Safety Cabinets

If you prefer fixed, robust benching or modular benching that offers flexibility and reconfiguration, our laboratory furniture manufacturers can deliver the perfect solution.

Whether you need Class I, II or III to handle Hazard Group 1 to 4 pathogens we can recommend suitable furniture suppliers.

furniture fittings worktops

Specialist & Other Requirements

If you have any specific needs such as Cold Room or Clean Room installation services, Industrial Gases, Liquid Nitrogen, Non-ionising Radiation (LASER), Plumbing, Temperature & Humidity Control or other, we can help.

furniture fittings worktops