The project formed part of a wider redevelopment programme at The Pirbright Institute and was procured via a design and build consortium. We were responsible for developing detailed design and construction information for the facility, ensuring it met the strict operational, scientific, and safety standards required for high-containment research environments.

The primary technical challenge was to maintain airtight integrity across all high-containment laboratory zones. This meant all service penetrations through the containment envelope had to be carefully designed to eliminate the risk of uncontrolled air leakage. Each material, fixing method, and layout decision had to support the pressure differentials essential to containment performance.

To achieve this, Wilson Mason worked closely with structural, building services, and environmental engineers to minimise the number and type of service penetrations. All penetrations were coordinated as part of an integrated fabric and services strategy, ensuring both containment integrity and serviceability.

Manufacturers and subcontractors were engaged to source or develop suitable components, including specialised seals, materials, and fixings. A full-size containment room mock-up was constructed with fully installed services. This prototype was tested and re-tested against defined air leakage thresholds to verify the effectiveness of all penetration details, installation methods, and maintenance access.

The project delivered a facility that sets a benchmark in bioscience design, enabling safe, state-of-the-art research in virology.