Solutions for the laboratory of the future

What will the laboratory of the future look like? It is designed so that rooms can be adapted to changing uses, varying technical requirements and future modifications without unnecessarily disrupting operations. Work areas are clearly defined, and furniture and storage solutions are designed to minimise walking distances and ensure orderly workflows. For worktops in the lab, the focus is on easy cleaning, chemical resistance, scratch and impact resistance, as well as durability for long-term use. Furniture surfaces and wall cladding also need to be sturdy and easy to maintain.

Video tip: Insights into the Lab Academy

The first Lab Academy in Wiener Neudorf addressed the areas where laboratory planning is becoming increasingly complex today: automation, AI, safety, legal requirements and flexible laboratory architecture. Together with asecos, bimos and BROEN-LAB, Fundermax has developed a format that brings together specialist knowledge, practical experience and diverse perspectives. The breadth of this spectrum was demonstrated, for example, by insights into campus development at ISTA in Klosterneuburg, the Medical University Campus in Graz and Takeda’s ‘Laboratory of the Future’ in Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern. Julia Wildfeuer from Baumschlager Eberle Architects in Vienna also spoke about neutrality of use, flexibility and durability in the laboratory.

“With the Lab Academy, we have created a cross-sector platform for the future of laboratory environments. The format provides inspiration for those who plan, operate and further develop laboratories.” says Hubertus Burger-Scheidlin, Sales Director Specialities at Fundermax.
It is precisely this wide range that is the strength of the format: whilst research, planning and industry face similar challenges, they view them from different perspectives. This means that developments become apparent at an early stage and can be utilised for specific projects in laboratory planning.

When selecting materials for a laboratory, the requirements that worktops, furniture surfaces and wall cladding must meet in day-to-day use are crucial. Laboratory tables and worktops are directly exposed to chemicals, cleaning products and mechanical strain. This is where Fundermax relies on Max Resistance². The in-house developed RE technology combines resistance to aggressive chemicals, stability and an easy-to-clean surface. For heavily used worktops, the solution also offers design flexibility thanks to black and coloured cores.

Max Compact Interior Plus is designed for wall panels and other vertical fixtures. The high-pressure laminate (HPL) offers non-porous, sealed and double-hardened surfaces for areas with high hygiene and cleaning requirements and is available in a wide range of decors. Max Compact Interior is used for furniture and decorative applications in heavily used areas. The panels also offer robust, easy-to-maintain surfaces for daily use in laboratories. Furthermore, Max Compact Interior opens up additional design possibilities, including Individual Print. 

How changing research requirements and safety protocols can be implemented in existing facilities is demonstrated by the project in Irvine, California. There, an existing space was converted into a high-performance laboratory for toxin biomaterials. Mobile casework units enhance flexibility and long-term usability, as the layout can be adapted to new requirements.

Max Resistance² in Deep Black was used for all horizontal surfaces of the mobile units. The dark surfaces clearly tie the rows together, lend the layout a sense of calm and support a clear structure. In combination with the movable base units, a laboratory environment has been created that combines flexibility, efficient cleaning and long-term usability. 

Read more on this topic here: Innovative laboratory solutions from Fundermax.