Laboratory design is the process of planning a laboratory’s layout, work areas, equipment placement, ventilation, utilities, storage and safety features to support its intended activities. A successful laboratory design balances workflow efficiency, user safety, space utilisation, regulatory requirements and future expansion.
To design a laboratory effectively, define its purpose, assess operational requirements, plan the layout, select suitable equipment and laboratory furniture, coordinate utilities and ventilation, and verify safety requirements before installation. The exact design depends on the laboratory type, testing procedures, equipment and applicable standards.
This guide explains the key steps, laboratory design requirements and layout considerations to help you plan an efficient, functional laboratory.
What Makes a Successful Laboratory Design?
A successful laboratory design combines efficient workflow, safety, suitable laboratory furniture, equipment placement, storage, ventilation and essential utilities. The layout should support daily laboratory activities, provide safe access to workstations and emergency routes, and accommodate future operational needs.
Key considerations include laboratory layout, equipment requirements, chemical storage, ventilation, utility connections, ergonomic furniture and the potential for future expansion. These factors should be evaluated together during the planning stage to create a functional and well-coordinated laboratory.
The following eight steps explain how to plan a laboratory, from defining its requirements to selecting furniture and preparing for installation.
How to Design a Successful Laboratory: 8 Key Steps
A successful laboratory design should balance safety, workflow, equipment, storage, utilities and future flexibility. Follow these eight steps to create a laboratory that is efficient, practical and suited to your operational requirements.
1. Start With Laboratory Safety and Workflow
Safety and workflow should be considered from the beginning of the laboratory design process. The layout should support efficient movement between workstations while reducing congestion and helping minimise risks associated with chemicals, equipment and laboratory operations.
Plan clear walkways, emergency routes and access to emergency equipment. Position work areas according to the laboratory’s activities, and ensure that staff can move safely between workstations without obstructing exits or essential services. For more practical guidance, read these laboratory safety tips to help maintain a safer and more organised working environment.
2. Plan Adequate Laboratory Storage
Identify storage requirements before finalising the laboratory layout. Depending on the application, the laboratory may need laboratory storage cabinets, chemical storage cabinets, shelving, sample storage and dedicated spaces for equipment and consumables.
Store chemicals according to their properties and applicable safety requirements. Select suitable storage solutions for hazardous materials where required, and avoid using floors or circulation areas for routine storage.
Planning storage early helps reduce clutter, improve accessibility and maintain an organised laboratory environment.
3. Prepare a Detailed Equipment List
Prepare an inventory of all equipment planned for the laboratory. Record each item’s dimensions, weight, power requirements, utility connections, ventilation needs, heat output and maintenance clearance.
This information influences laboratory layout planning, furniture selection and the positioning of electrical, plumbing and mechanical services. Reviewing equipment specifications before installation can help prevent space constraints, service conflicts and expensive design changes. For further guidance, explore how to choose turnkey laboratory solutions in India to understand the key factors involved in planning and implementing a laboratory project.
4. Plan Equipment Movement and Maintenance Access
Consider how laboratory equipment will be delivered, installed, serviced and replaced. Assess door dimensions, corridor widths, turning space and access routes for large or heavy instruments before finalising the layout.
Allow sufficient clearance around equipment for safe operation, routine maintenance and servicing. Planning these routes in advance can reduce installation difficulties and make future equipment upgrades easier.
5. Plan Laboratory Fume Hood Placement
Fume hood placement should be coordinated with the laboratory layout, HVAC system and mechanical services. The type and number of hoods should reflect the laboratory’s processes, containment requirements and operational needs.
The location of each laboratory fume hood should account for airflow, nearby doors, traffic patterns, exhaust arrangements and surrounding equipment. Early coordination with laboratory planners and mechanical engineers helps ensure that the selected system is suitable for its intended application.
6. Account for Equipment Heat Gains
Laboratory equipment can generate considerable heat, particularly ultra-low-temperature freezers, refrigerators, centrifuges and other heat-producing instruments. These heat gains can affect room temperature and the laboratory’s cooling requirements.
Identify major heat-producing equipment during the design stage and share the relevant manufacturer specifications with the HVAC design team. Where necessary, include equipment heat loads in the cooling calculations to help determine appropriate ventilation and air-conditioning requirements.
7. Choose Suitable Laboratory Furniture
Select laboratory furniture according to the laboratory’s workflow, equipment, working conditions and long-term requirements. Consider workbenches, cabinets, storage systems, ergonomics, durability and resistance to chemicals or other substances where applicable.
Explore suitable laboratory furniture Manufactures and assess whether the selected configuration supports the intended activities and equipment loads. Modular laboratory furniture may offer additional flexibility when equipment, workflows or space requirements change.
Choosing furniture during the design stage helps integrate workstations, equipment and storage into the overall laboratory layout.
8. Involve All Stakeholders Early
Successful laboratory design requires input from the people who will use, manage, maintain and support the facility. Laboratory staff, facility managers, safety teams, architects, mechanical engineers, equipment suppliers and contractors may each have different requirements.
Review the proposed layout, equipment placement, furniture, storage, utilities and ventilation with the relevant stakeholders before construction or installation begins. Early coordination can help identify practical constraints, resolve conflicts between services and prepare the laboratory for future operational needs.
A coordinated planning process provides a stronger foundation for a functional laboratory that can support its intended activities over time.
Essential Laboratory Design Considerations
Several factors influence laboratory design, from space planning and equipment placement to safety, utilities and future expansion. Review these requirements before finalising the layout.
| Laboratory Design Factor | What to Consider | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Layout | Workstations, walkways, equipment placement and workflow | Supports efficient movement and practical space utilisation |
| Laboratory Furniture | Workbenches, cabinets, materials and ergonomics | Helps create durable and functional work areas |
| Storage Requirements | Chemical storage, cabinets, shelving and sample storage | Keeps materials organised and accessible |
| Equipment Planning | Dimensions, weight, power, heat output and service clearance | Helps prevent space and installation problems |
| Fume Hoods and Ventilation | Hood location, exhaust, airflow and HVAC coordination | Supports appropriate ventilation and containment |
| Utilities | Electrical connections, water, drainage, gases and data | Ensures services are planned for the intended equipment |
| Safety and Accessibility | Emergency routes, clear aisles and access to safety equipment | Supports safe laboratory operations |
| Future Expansion | Additional equipment, storage and flexible furniture | Helps accommodate changing requirements |
How Laboratory Furniture Supports Better Laboratory Design
Laboratory furniture plays an important role in creating a functional workspace. Workbenches, storage cabinets and specialised workstations should be selected according to the laboratory’s workflow, equipment requirements, available space and working conditions.
When choosing laboratory furniture, consider these factors:
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Workbench configuration: Choose a suitable layout based on laboratory activities and available floor space.
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Material and durability: Evaluate construction quality, cleaning requirements and resistance to chemicals where applicable.
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Equipment integration: Check equipment dimensions, weight, utility connections and maintenance clearance.
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Storage and ergonomics: Ensure that cabinets, shelves and workstations provide practical access to materials and equipment.
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Future flexibility: Consider modular configurations if equipment or operational requirements may change.
Conclusion
Successful laboratory design requires careful planning of layout, workflow, equipment, storage, ventilation and safety. Coordinating these elements from the beginning helps create an efficient laboratory that supports daily operations and future expansion.
Santech Labs provides customised laboratory furniture and turnkey laboratory solutions based on specific space, equipment and workflow requirements. As a laboratory furniture supplier, the company supports projects with furniture solutions suited to different laboratory applications.
Planning a new laboratory or upgrading an existing facility? Contact Santech Labs to discuss your laboratory design and furniture requirements.