Ritchie Building PC2 Laboratory
The University of Queensland

Project Size
300m2
Project Cost
$1M - $3M
Project Duration
10 weeks

We transformed level five of UQ's Ritchie Building into a fully functional PC2 laboratory, including custom air conditioning grills and termite repairs. Delivered on time and within budget, the project met UQ’s high standards while maintaining a live, operational environment.

  • Fitout
  • PC2 Laboratory
Capabilities
Fitout
Engagement Type
Lump Sum
Sector
  • Education
  • Research
Subsector
  • Laboratories
  • Laboratories
  • Universities
Specialty
Live EnvironmentOccupied Space
Team
Chris Jones

The Brief

The University of Queensland (UQ) required the transformation of level five of the Ritchie Building at their St. Lucia campus into a fully functional, compliant Physical Containment 2 (PC2) laboratory. This included fitting out rooms for animal holding, electrophysiology, tissue culture, and other essential lab areas, plus a refurbished PWD bathroom. The project also demanded custom-made air conditioning grills to prevent insect contamination, all within an existing, fully operational lab environment.

Our contribution

Engaged under a construct-only contract, we worked closely with UQ to deliver the PC2 lab on time and on budget. Our team expertly navigated the complexities of working within a live environment, ensuring the laboratory’s operations remained uninterrupted. We installed custom air conditioning grills to meet UQ’s specific needs and addressed unforeseen termite damage in the timber cladding swiftly and without delay. Every step of the project was carefully planned to ensure a smooth, stress-free delivery, from managing the mechanical systems to ensuring safety and compliance.

The remarkable project outcome

Despite the challenges of operating within an active, occupied lab, we successfully delivered the Ritchie Building PC2 laboratory on schedule and within budget. UQ now boasts a top-tier facility that supports cutting-edge biological research, with minimal disruption to ongoing activities. Our meticulous planning and expert management of the project ensured a stress-free experience for UQ, reaffirming our ability to deliver high-quality, on-time projects with cost certainty.