Virtus Diagnostics Laboratory
Relocating a highly-technical laboratory facility
Case Study
This project improves the workflow of a relocated laboratory to increase the quality of diagnostic outcomes for patients.
8i Architects was engaged by Virtus Diagnostics to relocate its Diagnostic Laboratory and IT services to a 1000m2 space in an existing building.
The facility comprises three types of laboratories used to analyse fertility patients’ blood samples for hormone levels and genetic testing – Cytogenetics laboratories, an Endocrinology laboratory and Microarray laboratories.
The project had an incredibly tight timeframe, with the entire work to be completed within six months (inclusive of the summer holiday break). We liaised closely with our client and the builder to design and document the project effectively and efficiently. We managed to deliver the bulk of the project’s documentation in just seven weeks from when we first commenced our site measure. To counteract the quick speed at which our client required the completed documentation, we worked tirelessly onsite with the builder during construction to answer their queries as they arose, ensuring the project was delivered to the highest standards. We also repurposed much of the existing office spaces where possible to maximise efficiency.
Laboratory scientists and pathologists are typically located in the least desirable spaces in buildings, with minimal outlook or natural light. We specifically designed the new laboratory with ample windows to draw in filtered natural light and views for staff.
Our new design also minimises the cross contamination of staff moving between “clean” and “dirty” spaces. Meanwhile, we eliminated the need for couriers to access the laboratory to deliver samples by designing a ‘drop-off’ window for deliveries.
This project has exceeded our client’s expectations, as they understood the project timeframe was extremely ambitious given the technical requirements of rehousing several laboratories. 8i Architects has delivered a new Diagnostic Laboratory facility in record speed and minimised any disruption to the operations of the laboratories.
Delivery drop off counter for couriers.
Laboratories are designed to have windows for natural light, outlook and connection.
Visibility through the laboratory spaces facilitate staff communications.
Well planned laboratories improve efficiency and workflow.
Pass through windows provides convenience for processing samples.
“8i Architects were extremely professional and knowledgeable, and provided invaluable guidance and assistance during the process.”
Casey Wyatt
Laboratory Operations Manager (Cytogenetics) – Virtus Diagnostics
Laboratories provide the highest level of technical support to staff.
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Case Study
Year
Sector
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Projects
Year
Sector
Queensland Fertility Group IVF Clinic
- Name: Queensland Fertility Group IVF Clinic
- Client: Queensland Fertility Group
- Builder: Shape Australia
- Category: Healthcare
This IVF Clinic in Spring Hill caters for the increasing need for fertility specialists and IVF treatment in Brisbane.
The 1100m2 clinic has personalised consultation rooms for some of Australia’s leading fertility specialists, pathology, andrology and scanning support services.
Lakelands Medical Centre
- Name: Lakelands Medical Centre
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Constructions
- Category: Healthcare
Located on a 4644m2 corner site, Lakelands Medical Centre is a 1600m2 healthcare facility designed for a 12 consulting room general practice, pharmacy, radiology, pathology, dental, audiology and allied health tenancies.
As part of a medical precinct linked to North Lakes Day Hospital, this project is a great example of complementary healthcare hub that caters for a variety of healthcare needs.
Lakelands Medical Practice
- Name: Lakelands Medical Practice
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Construction
- Category: Healthcare
Located within Lakelands Medical Centre, this 12 consulting room general practice was part of an expansion and relocation of a long established local practice. The existing practice was a small 4 consulting facility located in an nearby suburb.
The client was initally apprehensive about building a practice that was significantly larger than their existing tenancy. By creating a new modern facility with a dedicated treatment area and procedure room, the client was able to attract 8 new doctors to join the practice within 12 months of opening. Instead of recruitment, many of the new doctors contacted the practice directly requesting to join the practice based on the design of the facility.
The ongoing success of the practice was such that Australia’s largest operator of medical centres acquired the practice a few years after opening.
This is a great case study of how good healthcare design can support signficant business growth of a general practice.
Margate Medical Centre
- Name: Margate Medical Centre
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Construction
- Category: Healthcare
Margate Medical Centre is a medical centre that consists of a new purpose built medical centre (600m2) and a refurbishment of an existing showroom into a purpose built radiology facility (620m2).
Located on a 3235m2 site with 3 street frontages, the 1,220m2 medical centre contains a radiology facility, pathology, dental and Medicare.
North Lakes Day Hospital
- Name: North Lakes Day Hospital
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Construction
- Category: Healthcare
North Shore Medical Centre (Townsville)
- Name: North Shore Medical Centre (Townsville)
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: McDonald Constructions
- Category: Healthcare
Located on a 6,660m2 corner site, North Shore Medical Centre (2,131m2) was designed as a 2 stage healthcare precinct.
Stage 1 was 1155m2 building that included 520m2 North Shore General Practice, dental practice, physiotherapy, pathology and allied health.
Stage 2 was a 976m2 building that contained radiology, allied health and a specialist vet practice.
The staging of precinct allowed Stage 1 to be occupied and fully operational while Stage 2 building works commenced. The design was deliberately strategic so that was minimal disruption to the tenancies operating in Stage 1 while Stage 2 was being built. This assisted our client to confidently invest in a medical facility in a growing regional suburb.
