How to Design A Lab

Creating safe, efficient and future-ready scientific environments

Modern laboratories are no longer defined purely by the equipment they contain. The most effective lab environments are shaped by a holistic design approach that considers people, processes and technology as a single, interconnected system, particularly within biotechnology and life sciences.

This evolution marks a clear move away from traditional equipment-led planning towards a more strategic, entity-based approach to laboratory design. One that balances scientific rigour with architectural intelligence and a deep understanding of how researchers actually work.

In this guide, we explore the principles that underpin successful modern laboratory design, from defining purpose and optimising workflows to embedding safety, wellbeing and long-term adaptability.

Historically, laboratory planning often began with a checklist of equipment and a fixed floorplate. The challenge was largely spatial: fitting benches, fume cupboards and instruments into the available footprint. While functional, this approach frequently resulted in inefficient workflows, limited flexibility and spaces that struggled to adapt as research priorities changed. There is an art in making every space functional and planned.

Contemporary laboratory design takes a fundamentally different view. Rather than treating the lab as a static container, it is understood as a dynamic environment that must support evolving scientific activity, regulatory requirements and technological advancement.

A holistic, entity-based design approach considers the laboratory as a complete ecosystem, integrating:

• Physical infrastructure, including ventilation, utilities and materials

• Research workflows and operational processes

• The people using the space and their wellbeing

• Digital systems, data flow and technology

• Regulatory, safety and compliance frameworks

• Long-term adaptability and future growth

• Prioritising Lab Safety

When these elements are aligned from the outset, laboratories become high-performing environments that actively support innovation rather than constrain it.

A successful laboratory design begins with a clear understanding of its purpose. This goes far beyond categorising a space as a wet or dry lab and requires a detailed assessment of research activities, methodologies and future ambitions.

Are there more research and development labs? What is their purpose? What will they hold? What issues will there be if anything goes wrong?

Wet laboratories

Wet laboratories support hands-on experimentation involving chemicals, biological materials and liquids. These environments demand robust containment strategies, specialist ventilation and materials capable of withstanding aggressive cleaning regimes.

Key considerations include:

• Materials and finishes: Work surfaces must be non-porous, chemical-resistant and durable. Epoxy resin, stainless steel and specialist laminates are commonly specified, depending on the hazards present and cleaning protocols required.
• Wet services integration: Sinks, drainage, emergency eyewash stations and chemical-resistant plumbing must be carefully positioned to support efficient workflows and immediate emergency access.
• Containment systems: Fume cupboards, biosafety cabinets and gloveboxes must be fully integrated with the HVAC strategy to achieve appropriate face velocities, pressure regimes and regulatory compliance.
• Waste management: Dedicated, segregated waste streams for chemicals, biological materials and sharps require appropriate storage, labelling and safe access for removal.

Dry laboratories

Dry laboratories focus on computational research, electronics, data analysis and theoretical work. While chemical hazards are reduced, design complexity remains high.

Key considerations include:

• Power and data resilience: High-density power, resilient data networks and UPS provision are essential. Infrastructure should allow for change without disruptive reconfiguration.
• Thermal control: Heat generated by servers and analytical equipment may require supplementary cooling strategies beyond standard comfort systems.
• Electromagnetic and acoustic control: Sensitive equipment may require shielding from interference, while acoustic treatments support concentration and analytical accuracy.

Hybrid laboratory environments

Increasingly, laboratories combine wet and dry activities within integrated environments. This reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern research, where experimental work and data analysis occur side by side.

Effective hybrid lab design relies on:

• Clear zoning with appropriate separation and connectivity

• Transitional spaces that maintain safety and cleanliness

• Flexible services capable of supporting mixed-use equipment

• Integrated digital infrastructure enabling rapid data transfer

Efficient laboratory workflows are the result of deliberate, evidence-led spatial planning. Logical flow ensures that people, materials and information move through the lab safely and efficiently, reducing waste, risk and downtime.

Unidirectional flow and contamination control

Unidirectional flow, moving from clean to dirty processes, is a core principle in laboratory planning. It is particularly critical in regulated environments such as GMP, pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories, where segregation of people and materials underpins safety and compliance.

Even in research settings, logical adjacencies improve productivity. Reagent storage should support preparation areas, experimental zones should naturally lead to analysis spaces and waste routes should minimise unnecessary movement.

Zone-based planning

Modern laboratories are typically organised into defined zones, each with specific environmental and operational requirements:

• Clean zones for sterile or controlled work

• Processing zones where primary research activity takes place

• Support zones for storage, preparation and wash-up

• Transitional zones such as gowning rooms and airlocks

• Service zones housing building systems and utilities

Clear zoning reduces cross-contamination, supports compliance and improves day-to-day usability.

Avoiding bottlenecks

Poorly planned circulation leads to congestion and inefficiency. Effective design addresses this through adequate aisle widths, logical equipment placement and the strategic location of shared resources such as freezers and autoclaves.

Laboratory safety should be inherent in the design, not retrofitted. Early integration of safety considerations reduces risk, improves compliance and supports confident, efficient working.

Hazardous materials and waste storage

Chemical and hazardous materials storage must comply with strict regulations and best practice guidance. This includes segregation of incompatible substances, appropriate ventilation, secondary containment and clear labelling.

Flammable materials often require certified storage cabinets or dedicated rooms with explosion-rated services, while waste accumulation areas must be accessible, ventilated and safely separated from primary work zones.

Ventilation and containment

The HVAC system is central to laboratory safety. It must maintain appropriate air change rates, pressure differentials and temperature and humidity control.

Fume cupboards remain the primary defence against airborne hazards. Effective design ensures correct face velocities, low turbulence, reliable monitoring and energy-efficient operation, increasingly through variable air volume systems.

Emergency provision and escape

Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers must be clearly visible, immediately accessible and supplied with tepid water. Escape routes should be unobstructed, clearly signed and supported by appropriate fire detection and suppression systems.

Laboratory environments place significant physical and cognitive demands on users. Human-centric design supports wellbeing, reduces injury risk and enhances productivity.

Adjustable furniture and layouts

Height-adjustable benching, ergonomic seating and well-positioned storage accommodate a diverse workforce and support healthier working patterns. Frequently used items should sit within easy reach, reducing strain and fatigue.

Lighting and visual comfort

Laboratory lighting should balance task accuracy with visual comfort. High-quality LED systems, appropriate colour temperatures and controlled daylight access improve focus while supporting wellbeing.

Acoustic performance

Background noise from equipment can undermine concentration. Acoustic absorption, equipment isolation and thoughtful zoning help create a balanced environment that supports both collaboration and focused work.

Scientific priorities evolve rapidly, looking forward to the trends of the future year, or the decade. Future-ready laboratories are designed to change with minimal disruption.

Modular infrastructure

Modular furniture, accessible service distribution and plug-and-play utilities allow laboratories to be reconfigured as research needs change. Overhead service carriers, underfloor systems and flexible wall solutions reduce the need for invasive alterations.

Multi-purpose spaces

Rather than single-use rooms, adaptable laboratories incorporate spaces that can transition between functions, supporting collaboration, new equipment and emerging methodologies.

Digital integration

Robust data infrastructure, building management systems and laboratory information management systems support operational efficiency, energy optimisation and seamless integration between physical and digital workflows.

Engaging stakeholders for successful outcomes

The most technically sophisticated laboratory will fail if it does not meet the needs of its users. Successful projects engage researchers, safety teams, facilities managers and leadership from the earliest stages.

A user-centred process includes detailed discovery, iterative design development, hands-on validation and post-occupancy review. Balancing safety, performance, cost and flexibility requires collaboration and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

While the principles of good laboratory design remain consistent, the requirements of a laboratory can vary significantly depending on its scientific focus, regulatory framework and operational model. From advanced physics to highly regulated manufacturing environments, each lab type introduces distinct spatial, technical and compliance considerations.

To support clients exploring specific laboratory typologies in more depth, we have developed a series of dedicated guides. Each explores the unique demands, risks and design priorities associated with different laboratory environments.

Quantum laboratories

Quantum laboratories support highly sensitive experimental research, often involving cryogenics, ultra-low vibration tolerances and strict electromagnetic control. Design considerations typically centre on environmental stability, isolation from external interference and highly specialised infrastructure.

Read our guide: What are quantum laboratories?

Life science laboratories

Life science labs encompass a wide range of biological research activities, from cell culture to molecular biology. These environments require robust containment strategies, controlled airflow, specialist finishes and carefully managed workflows to support both safety and scientific integrity.

Read our guide: What are life science labs?

Contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) laboratories

CMO laboratories are designed to support outsourced research, development and manufacturing for multiple clients. Flexibility, segregation, scalability and compliance are central to their design, alongside the ability to adapt rapidly to changing project requirements.

Read our guide: What are CMO labs?

GMP laboratories

Good Manufacturing Practice laboratories operate within strict regulatory frameworks governing cleanliness, traceability and quality control. Design must support validated workflows, unidirectional movement and controlled environments that underpin regulatory compliance and audit readiness.

Read our guide: What are GMP labs?

Research and development laboratories

Research and development laboratories are often highly dynamic, supporting exploratory research, prototyping and innovation. Flexibility, modularity and collaboration are key design drivers, allowing spaces to evolve as research priorities change.

Read our guide: What are research and development labs?

Genomics laboratories

Genomics laboratories handle large volumes of sensitive biological data and samples, combining wet laboratory processes with advanced computational analysis. Design must support contamination control, sample integrity and seamless integration between physical and digital workflows.

Read our guide: What are genomics labs?

Biotech laboratories

Biotech laboratories sit at the intersection of biology, chemistry and engineering. They often operate at scale and under regulatory oversight, requiring environments that balance innovation, safety, process control and future growth.

Learn more in our guide: Biotech laboratories explained.

What is the difference between wet and dry laboratories?

Wet laboratories support experimental work involving chemicals, biological materials and liquids, requiring specialist ventilation, containment and chemical-resistant materials. Dry laboratories focus on computational, analytical or electronic work, with greater emphasis on power, data, thermal management and acoustic control.

Why is workflow planning important in laboratory design?

Efficient workflow planning improves productivity, reduces risk and minimises cross-contamination. Logical adjacencies, unidirectional flow and clearly defined zones help ensure people, materials and data move safely and efficiently through the laboratory.

How does laboratory design improve safety?

Safety is embedded through early design decisions, including appropriate zoning, ventilation strategies, containment systems, emergency provision and compliant storage for hazardous materials. Designing safety into the environment reduces reliance on procedural controls alone.

What regulations influence laboratory design in the UK?

Laboratory design is influenced by a range of UK regulations and guidance, including health and safety legislation, COSHH requirements, building regulations and sector-specific standards such as GMP or biosafety guidance, depending on the laboratory’s function.