Monash University Alfred Centre PC2 Laboratory

Monash University developed a new Physical Containment (PC2) laboratory at the Alfred Hospital to support their Central Clinical School and realise a significant research opportunity. The new laboratory provides a flexible, modern teaching space, along with supporting facilities including fume cupboards, freezer space, and a new reverse osmosis purified water system.

Physical Containment laboratories rely upon sophisticated air flow management systems to maintain pressure hierarchies, the complex nature of commissioning such a facility demands the expert input from an experienced commissioning specialist.

Involved from the beginning of the PC2 laboratory project’s construction phase, A.G. Coombs Advisory, as Independent Commissioning Agent, undertook a detailed design review for commissionability, addressing the building systems and the construction processes and details required to achieve air-tightness. A comprehensive commissioning plan was formulated with the clear objective of meeting the University’s exacting specification for the facility and the stringent government certification requirements.

Builder Icon Co undertook the fit out, with A.G. Coombs Projects delivering the HVAC and mechanical services for this complex project. An accelerated installation program saw the successful delivery of the fit out in just 12 weeks.

The complex nature of commissioning such a facility demanded the expert input the A.G. Coombs Commissioning team throughout the delivery period.

The overriding objective was to deliver a PC2 qualified laboratory in the time it would normally take to build a standard commercial office. This involved working collaboratively with all stakeholders and utilising innovative methods to design and deliver the key components for the fitout. For example, using point cloud 3D scanning technology to map the base building, A.G. Coombs were able to produce a BIM model quickly which enabled services clash detection and supported a highly efficient installation process.

The installation included complex riser systems for new Fume Cupboards, state of the art Cool Rooms with dehumidification systems, and the creation of smart pressure differentiation control strategies. To ensure a successful and accelerated commissioning process intelligent air pressure testing was employed at intervals throughout the project.