Expanding the Lab Without Shutting It Down
Growth is a good problem to have until your lab can’t keep up. Microban, a global leader in antimicrobial additives headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, had outpaced its existing laboratory capacity. Our firm was engaged to redesign and enhance the current facility, delivering over 5,000 square feet of upgraded space to meet new program requirements without slowing down the research that was driving the expansion in the first place.
The project involved a comprehensive renovation and relocation of the special projects lab to optimize operational workflows. The existing Fungal Lab was expanded to over 1,500 square feet, with an additional 2,912 square feet dedicated to Microbiology Labs and 785 square feet allocated for Wet Chemistry. A new gas-fired DX rooftop air handling unit and redundant high-plume laboratory exhaust fans were installed to ensure the updated floor plan was properly conditioned, pressurized, and ventilated. In a laboratory environment where air quality and pressure differentials aren’t just comfort issues but scientific necessities, the mechanical systems had to be right.
Phased to Perfection
The real challenge wasn’t the scope. It was doing it all while Microban kept working. Our team implemented a phased design and construction strategy that incorporated swing space, allowing renovation work to proceed while minimizing or eliminating utility shutdowns. The result: continuous laboratory access throughout the entire construction phase and zero interruption to Microban’s operations. When the science can’t stop, the construction has to be smarter.