Royal Wolfson Foundation Laboratory Refurbishment Grants Scheme Final Report: University of Glasgow, Prof Lee Cronin Background In January 2011, the Royal Society Wolfson Laboratory Refurbishment Scheme approved a grant application by Professor Lee Cronin for the refurbishment of the Soddy Laboratory in the Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow. The funding for the work was split between the Royal Society Wolfson Laboratory Refurbishment Scheme and the University of Glasgow. Work commenced in August 2011 and was completed in February 2013. Images of the Soddy Lab prior to refurbishment 1
Scope of Work Refurbishment of the lab was required because large parts of the laboratory had come to the end of their usable life and issues surrounding electrical supplies, heating and ventilation were causing concern. The scope of the work included internal upgrading throughout including benching, ceilings, floor finishes and decoration, and infrastructure services upgrades including electrical power, lighting, heating and air conditioning. The full scope of the work as planned with ECD Architects can be found in Appendix A. A modern gas fed boiler was installed to provide heating as this was deemed to be more efficient with a lower carbon footprint than running a new feed from the universities existing steam boiler system. Upgrading the lighting, installing secondary glazing and modern extract and air conditioning have also contributed to a reduction in environmental impact. Undertaking and Completion of Work The refurbishment was overseen by David Gallacher of ECD Architects to a design brief approved by Prof. Cronin. Main contractors Morris & Spottiswood commenced work by removing three 20 year old fumecupboards, flooring, suspended ceiling & lighting, and by demolishing some small internal office & laboratory space. The existing benches were deemed to be suitable having been installed 5 years previously. The laboratory was effectively stripped back to a shell, leaving only three Cleanair fumehoods and the benching. This laboratory space suffered badly from air handling issues as the air flow within and around the space was poor. An air handling plant was installed on the roof of the building to counteract the issues with air management. Since the Joseph Black building is an A listed building, the location of the air handling plant and associated ducting had to be approved by Historic Scotland prior to installation. 2
A small laboratory space, student workspace, and small glazed meeting room were constructed within the laboratory, and three low velocity fumehoods by Premier laboratory systems, with appropriate extract systems, were installed. An additional tall vented cabinet, two flammable storage cabinets, and a dedicated acid and base storage cabinet were supplied and fitted. The chemical and flammable storage were supplied by Duperthal with a 90 minute fire rating. Additional storage was installed above bench height by Safebuild. Ducting was installed within the new ceiling void to provide heated make up air from the plant on the roof. Historic Scotland s concerns regarding visual intrusion from the air handling plant on the exterior of the building were met by routing the supply pipes via an internal light well to the laboratory. The compressed air and N 2 gas distribution systems were replaced and extended. 3
In one small side room an overpressure was supplied, to reduce dust ingress and allow dust sensitive work to be carried out. Four localised extract arms were installed to provide exhaust ventilation for equipment and small experiments. This lab was also fitted with N 2 gas and compressed air supplies. The other small side room was adapted to create a small soft lithography space and microscopy room. Compressed air was installed and a sink fitted to allow production and analysis of millifluidic and microfluidic devices. The windows in the laboratory are of hardwood single glazed construction and are covered by the listed building order. During the refurbishment, these windows were subjected to maintenance, cracked panes and rotted grout replaced, and the long exterior window run was fitted with secondary glazing to reduce heat loss and draughts. The whole lighting loom was replaced with modern energy efficient lighting installed in the laboratory and integrated task lighting fitted for the benches. Laboratory security was upgraded by the installation of a Paxton fob entry system. The works were completed on time and to cost. All relevant warrants were approved and Historic Scotland was satisfied with the level of work carried out to the exterior of the building. Images of the Soddy Lab after refurbishment 4
Conclusion The refurbishment of this laboratory has brought an underutilised and poorly equipped laboratory up to modern standards. The upgraded laboratory is now an effective space for cutting edge multidisciplinary research, and a pleasant working environment for research and support staff. Acknowledgement The University of Glasgow and Professor Cronin gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Royal Society Wolfson Laboratory Refurbishment Scheme, which has made this important refurbishment possible. Due to its historical significance the name of the Soddy Lab could not be altered, however a plaque has been erected within the redeveloped space in recognition of this contribution. Appendix A: Scope of Work Architectural Scope of Works Room A3.21a (RDS1) Main Lab Walls: Paint / Emulsion finish throughout. Existing partitions to be altered to accommodate glazed screens to write up & meeting rooms. Windows: Existing vertical blinds to be removed. Secondary glazing with privacy film to be installed Floor: New vinyl flooring Ceiling: Existing suspended ceiling tiles to be retained. Potential requirement for new suspended ceiling tiles at entrance for new ductwork routes Furniture: To be retained where possible. Additional storage options by ASSAB or equal and approved Double sockets to all workspaces at 1m centres. Equipment: 1no. fume hood 'D' to be relocated from Room A3.21d and to replace fume hood 'A' 2no. new fume hoods to replace 2no. existing fume hoods 'E' & 'F' adjacent to Room A3.21e. 2no. existing fumes hoods 'B' & 'C' to remain in current location. 5
Vacuubrand online vacuum systems to benching. Room A3.21e (RDS2) Write up Room Walls: Paint / Emulsion finish throughout. Existing partition to be altered to accommodate glazed screens Existing door to lab retained. Existing partition to lab to be altered to form glazed screen with cill above worktop height New glazed door and partition formed to meeting room. Windows: Secondary glazing with privacy film to be installed Floor: New vinyl flooring Ceiling: New suspended grid ceiling tiles Furniture: Worktops to be retained where possible. New wall mounted shelving to rear wall 2 no. double sockets per person (max 12 people) Room A3.21d (RDS3) Meeting Room Walls: Paint / Emulsion finish throughout. Existing partitions to be altered to accommodate full height glazed screens. Height to be confirmed, dependant on existing services above. New glazed door and partition formed to write up room. Floor: New carpet tile flooring in lieu of existing vinyl Ceiling: New suspended grid ceiling tiles Furniture: Seating, tables, storage requirements TBC. Whiteboard - location TBC Equipment: AV screen and suspended AV projector Room A3.21f Laboratory space Walls: New partition between this room and write-up. New door opening in existing partition onto main lab space Paint / Emulsion finish throughout. Floor: New vinyl flooring Ceiling: New suspended grid ceiling tiles Furniture: Existing workbench and under-hood cabinet Room A3.25b (RDS4) Solar Cell Facility Walls: Paint / Emulsion finish throughout. Sealed strips to existing doors & frames. Floor: New vinyl flooring Ceiling: New suspended grid ceiling tiles Furniture: Existing worktop with reinforced concrete base removed New worktop, base units and wall shelving as indicated. Equipment: 3-4 no. Fumex extraction arms at locations TBC Room A3.21b (RDS5) Crystallisation / Oven Space Walls: Paint / Emulsion finish throughout. 6
Floor: New vinyl flooring Ceiling: New suspended grid ceiling tiles Furniture: Small sink, 2 benches with power Equipment: Lighting and alternative yellow safelight Services Strip Out Works Room A3.21a Fume Cupboards Strip out and disposal of 3No. existing Fume Cupboards. Existing power, water, ducting, drainage and gas connections to be capped off for reconnection to replacement fume cupboards. Lighting Strip out all ceiling mounted luminaires and above ceiling wiring/containment. Controls Remove redundant fume cupboard controls/starters. Room A3.21b Lighting Strip out ceiling mounted luminaires and above ceiling wiring/containment. Power / Data Existing power and data outlets to be stripped out. Room A3.21d Fume Cupboard Existing Fume Cupboard to be carefully stripped out for relocation into Room A3.21a. Existing power, water, drainage and gas connections to be stripped out and capped outwith occupied space. Heating Pipework Existing high level heating pipework to be relocated to allow construction of glazed door to A3.21e. Lighting Existing Lighting and wiring/containment to be stripped out. Power/Data Existing power and data outlets to be stripped out. Room A3.21e Lighting Existing Lighting and wiring/containment to be stripped out. Power/Data Existing power and data outlets to be stripped out. Room A3.21f Gas Storage Existing Nitrogen gas manifold system to be removed. Compressor Existing Compressor to be removed. Room A3.25b Heating/Water Strip out of all existing wet services and divert pipework outwith room. Local Extract Ventilation Strip out existing Local Extract Ventilation system. Lighting Strip out existing lighting and wiring/containment. Power/Data Existing power and data outlets to be stripped out. 7
Mechanical Services Central Plant A new roof mounted supply air handling unit shall be installed comprising inlet damper section, inlet silencer, filter section, indirect gas fired heating section, humidifier section, invertor drive supply fan section, outlet silencer. New supply ductwork shall be installed within the small lightwell above rooms A3.21d and A3.21e. The new supply air handling system shall serve the following: A3.21a - Make up air for fume cupboards A3.21d - Fresh air for occupancy A3.21e - Fresh air for occupancy A3.21f - Make up air for fume cupboard A3.25b - Pressurisation of room Constant/variable air volume boxes shall be fitted to the branches to each area linked to the AHU s variable speed drive. A Trend based control system shall be installed to control the AHU plant and interface with the Fume Cupboards. Services within Rooms Room A3.21a Fume Cupboard: Installation of 2No. new fume cupboards and 1No. relocated fume cupboard (from A3.21d) in locations vacated by strip out of existing units. Installation of fume cupboards to include reconnection of all necessary water, drainage and gas connections together with connection to and rebalancing of existing extract systems. Integration of 2 new vacuum pumps within new fume cupboards to be carried out by fume cupboard manufacturer. Ventilation Cabinets: Connect 2No. new ventilated cabinets into existing fume extract network. Heating Fan Convectors: Carry out manufacturer s service of existing units. Vacuum: Carry out manufacturer s service of existing vacuum pump. Deionised Water: Existing deionised water unit to be relocated to above dishwasher location. Requires low pressure water connection, catchpot drain, and 1no. 13A double socket. Room A3.21b Plumbing: Connect hot water, cold water and drainage from new sink to existing tails within room. Compressed Air: Oil free dry compressed air supply. 8
Room A3.21d Heating/Cooling: Relocate existing DX cooling in room unit to suit new room layout and carry out manufacturers service on complete system. Ventilation: Install fresh air supply from new air handling unit. Room A3.21e Heating/Cooling: Install new Dx heat pump system comprising in-room fan coil unit, external heat pump unit and local controllers. Ventilation: Install fresh air supply from new air handling unit. Room A3.21f Fume Cupboard: Installation of 1No. new fume cupboard. Installation of fume cupboards to include connection of all necessary water, drainage and gases together with connection to and rebalancing of existing extract system. Fume cupboard to reuse extract system currentlt serving A3.21d Ventilation Cabinets: Connect 2No. new ventilated cabinets into existing fume extract network. Ventilation: Install fresh air supply from new air handling unit. Room A3.21f Store Gas Storage: Install new N2 manifold system with switching control gear and external empty cylinder indication. Cylinder bursting disc vent to connect to existing vent through wall into lightwell. New manifolds to connect to existing pipework. Existing pipework to be pressure tested to 5 bar. Compressor: Install new oil free dry air compressor. Compressor condensate drain to be routed into lightwell. Room A3.25b Heating/Cooling: Relocate existing DX cooling in room unit to suit new room layout and carry out manufacturers service on complete system. Ventilation: Fresh air supply from new air handling unit to provide positive pressure within room. New local extract ventilation system comprising 4No.extractor arms, central fume extract duct and roof mounted fume extract duct and roof mounted fume extract fan. Compressed Air: Oil free dry compressed air supply. Gases: 2 single cylinder manifolds to be installed within adjacent cupboard. Single gas outlet to be piped to each workstation. Cylinder bursting disc vents to be routed to lightwell. Alternatively link into existing lab N2 system. 9
Electrical Services Services within Rooms Room A3.21a Lighting: New Laboratory lighting installed with simplified lighting control system. New Emergency Lighting installation. Power supplies for new integrated bench top lighting. Power and Data: Retain as existing. Door Access: Door entry system to be installed to main doors comprising Paxton Net2 controller linked to existing building network, maglocks, card reader, push to exit button and breakglass override. System to be linked to Fire Alarm system to fail open in the event of an alarm. Fire Alarm: Modify existing installation. Room A3.21b Lighting: New general and emergency lighting. New dark room lighting with interlinked external indicator. Fire Alarm: New smoke detector. Power / Data: New outlets, quantities as per Room Data Sheet. Room A3.21d Lighting: New general and emergency lighting. Fire Alarm: New smoke detectors to suit remodelled room. Power / Data: New outlets, quantities as per Room Data Sheet. Room A3.21e Lighting: New general and emergency lighting. Fire Alarm: New smoke detectors to suit remodelled room. Power / Data: New outlets, quantities as per Room Data Sheet. Room A3.21f Lighting: New general and emergency lighting. Fire Alarm: New smoke detectors to suit remodelled room. 10
Power / Data: New outlets, quantities as per Room Data Sheet. Room A3.25b Lighting: New general and emergency lighting. Fire Alarm: New smoke detectors to suit remodelled room. Power / Data: New outlets, quantities as per Room Data Sheet. 3 Phase power outlets for future tube furnace installation. 11