Considerations for Research Facility Design
Regardless of whether you are planning to build or renovate a vivarium, the specialized requirements for real estate, security, ventilation, and backup power systems contribute to higher real estate and building costs.
Our Insourcing Solutions® team has more than 30 years of experience building and running efficient, compliant animal research facilities. Our architects and registered mechanical and electrical engineers understand the balanced aspects of system reliability, redundancy, and biosecurity. Securing materials and building these systems requires significant planning.
| Environmental | Architectural | Mechanical | Electrical |
| • Space Clearances • Hot and Cold Water Supply • Plans for Expansion • Ambient Humidity • Power Availability | • Floor and Wall Materials • Lighting Options • Doors and Hardware • Dynamic Floor Layout | • Air Supply • Room Pressure • Exhaust • Emergency Systems | • Power • Lighting • Emergency Backups • Exit Signs and Fire Alarms |
Common Challenges with Research Facility Design
A poor vivarium lab design has long-term consequences for both your bottom line and your research. It’s important to be mindful of these often overlooked factors when building new infrastructure:
- Anticipating extended lead times for specialty equipment and materials
- Sourcing an architect with living animal, biosecure facility experience (these are rare)
- Understanding regulatory requirements as a facility owner
- Planning for necessary non-research space within the facility
- Evaluating properties with an eye for secure, clean animal delivery access
- Planning recruitment timelines and operational staffing dependencies
- Scoping of the required capital investment
- Understanding requirement for air, temperature, generator, and security systems
We ensure these needs are not overlooked and are addressed from the very beginning.
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What We Bring to Your Research Vivarium Project
Working with an experienced partner in the design and structural efficiencies of your vivarium can set you up for success both today and for the future.
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Research Facility Design and Planning Services
By applying our scientific and engineering expertise to your project, we interact with your internal vivarium operations and/or outside consultants to deliver an efficient, effective solution for your new or existing facility. Our vivarium lab design service offerings include:
- Conceptual vivarium lab design package
- Development of mechanical/electrical systems concepts
- Assessing real estate and process flows
- Equipment lifecycle cost analysis
- Cagewash throughput analysis
- A review of your existing program
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Research Facility Design Review
When designing your research vivarium, you may need third-party architectural and engineering support. We understand the scientific considerations of animal research facilities to evaluate core systems, capex, and operational investment. Our experts are ready to help you with:
- General consultations
- Augmentation of current vivarium lab design
- Peer review of existing design documents
- Vivarium renovation consulting
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Research Facility Owner Representative Services
Whether you are renovating a vivarium or building a new one, construction entails complex tasks that should be entrusted only to the most experienced partners. We offer a turnkey approach for resource-limited owners to lead a successful project to completion. We're ready to support you with:
- Program and design coordination
- Value engineering
- Construction, coordination, and equipment procurement
- Quality, budget, and change controls
- Commissioning services
Don't Risk Your Research or Your Funds
With our guidance, specialized experience, and established relationships, your vivarium will be built to your custom research specifications. Let our Insourcing Solutions® team support your vision of an efficient, cost-effective vivarium that meets your needs for both now and the future.
 | Plan Smart from the Start | Ensure real estate and vivarium lab design meet operational needs before committing. |
| Move In and Initiate Quickly | Utilize our compliance expertise and capital equipment resources. |
| Improve Efficiency and Reproducibility | A well-built vivarium protects colony health and program biosecurity. |
GUIDEBOOK
Explore a Contract Vivarium as an Alternative to Building
This comprehensive guide details how to plan for, transition into, and conduct reproducible, cost-effective studies within a contract vivarium.
Download Your Copy
Frequently Asked Questions About Vivarium Lab Design
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How far in advance should I begin planning when building a vivarium facility?
We recommend you begin planning 18 – 24 months from when you need to occupy the space so you can secure the best property for your needs. Core equipment and infrastructure systems have experienced delays lasting several months beyond typical timelines, so sourcing materials early could mean the difference between starting on-time or missing research milestones. We help you create a vivarium lab design that considers each factor and keeps your build and studies on track.
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Can you help me renovate an existing vivarium lab?
Whether you are exploring a new vivarium build or planning for expansion or renovation, we offer the consulting, planning, cost assessment, and build resources mentioned above.
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I need support after my vivarium is built. What other resources do you offer?
We realize that running a vivarium and filling knowledge gaps while trying to secure and retain experienced staff can be a stressful experience, especially given today’s hiring challenges. If you do not have the headcount that you need to operate your vivarium or support your research, our staffing and training services can support you with scientific, technical, and operational roles that match your needs.
If you need established or custom research animal models, or breeding services, we offer a free model evaluation program to help you make the right choice. You may also get in touch with our research models and services team to find out about other products and services to help your research.
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Can you help me relocate my existing vivarium?
If you're thinking of relocating, you should be considering real estate options at least 12 – 24 months prior to your move. If you need a temporary solution while your vivarium is being built, you can take advantage of our rentable vivarium space to continue your studies and easily transfer to your new vivarium once your new facility is built.