Milvus Advanced - First Floor Laboratory & Office Design Concept

Milvus Advanced required a coordinated first-floor fit-out to support laboratory work and office-based activity within Swailes Suite A&B. The brief included the refurbishment of Lab 2, creation of a new Lab 3, and the development of a new office area with associated breakout and support spaces.

The laboratory brief required robust, flexible work settings with fixed and mobile benching, shelving, under-bench storage, sinks, eye-wash facilities and specialist fume cupboards. The design also needed to coordinate specialist gas supplies, fume extraction, ventilation, plumbing, drainage, lighting, power, data and fire detection within the existing building.

Alongside the technical requirements, Milvus Advanced wanted a more engaging environment for its teams. The workplace element called for bench-style workstations, storage and display shelving, a refreshed breakout setting and a palette of graphics, colour and feature lighting that could sit comfortably alongside the technical character of the laboratories.

ParkLaine developed a first-floor concept that separates laboratory and office functions while maintaining a clear relationship between them. Lab 3 was formed as a new solid-walled laboratory with a dedicated suite of fume cupboards and flexible mobile worktables. Lab 2 was reorganised around laboratory benching, storage and equipment, with specialist extraction and environmental controls coordinated to support safe and efficient operation.

The laboratory spaces use a clean, high-performance material approach, with white worktops and cabinetry, black-edged details, grey resilient flooring and open shelving to keep equipment visible and accessible. Mobile tables, drawer units, sinks and eye-wash stations provide practical flexibility, while specialist gases and attenuated fume extraction support the technical requirements of the work. Solar and privacy film was also proposed to the Lab 2 windows to improve comfort and control glare.

The office is arranged around ten bench-style workstations with integrated cable management, monitor arms, task seating, desk screens and mobile pedestals. Open display shelving with planters helps divide the workspace without closing it off, while full-height storage walls provide a clear, organised backdrop for everyday work.

A dedicated breakout area brings a more social character to the floor, combining café tables, informal seating, pendant lighting and a mix of black, white, blue, yellow and purple accents. The design works with the existing booth and underground seating while adding new café furniture, display shelving and feature graphics, creating a relaxed setting for informal meetings and staff interaction.

The result is a coordinated design-stage proposal that brings together specialist laboratory performance, flexible office planning and a more distinctive employee experience. With detailed space planning, furniture specification, finishes, graphics, lighting and building services coordinated into the package, the concept gives Milvus Advanced a clear route to a future-ready first-floor laboratory and workplace environment.