Northern Ireland Forensic Science Laboratory

The province’s new Forensic Laboratory is primarily used for DNA evidence recording and was designed to meet very demanding standards for preventing contamination relating to the preparation of trace evidence.

The four storey building comprises 47 individual preparation and recovery laboratories, designed to ISO 14644 Class 6 clean room standards, together with other related support and ancillary accommodation.

The practice was introduced to the scheme at RIBA Stage 3 / 4, developing up the detail design and completing the delivery with contracting partner, McLaughlin & Harvey.

The construction works were carried out on a live campus, in close proximity to other occupied buildings and with other complexities including a major sewer diversion.

The building achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, with features incorporated including photovoltaic panels and a CHP energy system.