Location
University of Plymouth, Plymouth

Client / Professional Team
University of Plymouth

Construction Value
£2M

Our Role
Complete MEP design for the refurbishment of radioactive laboratories and clean-room spaces.

The University of Plymouth commissioned us to support the extensive refurbishment of several specialist spaces within the Davy Laboratory, including a number of radioactive laboratories and associated clean rooms.

The estates team required a full upgrade of the building services infrastructure to bring the facilities in line with current regulatory standards and to enhance the safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of the spaces. The brief centred on designing new fume cupboard extract systems, clean-room-grade ventilation, and fully compliant laboratory gas systems, all delivered within a complex live-campus environment. Design Foundry was tasked with providing robust engineering solutions that could integrate into the existing building fabric while minimising disruption and ensuring long-term performance.

This project highlighted the value of early engagement, detailed coordination, and a rigorous technical approach when working within highly controlled laboratory environments.

By carefully navigating the challenges of radioactive lab refurbishment, we delivered building services that significantly improved safety, resilience, and environmental control across the facility.

The new ventilation and medical gas systems provide the University with future-proofed infrastructure that supports ongoing research activity and regulatory compliance. The project reinforces our capability in complex scientific and healthcare environments, demonstrating our ability to combine precise engineering with practical, constructible solutions.