Michael Rahill has designed the Asia Pacific division of global food company Sensient Technologies. They were looking to expand and upgrade their existing head office, laboratories and production facilities at their plant in suburban Melbourne. The first stage of the project was to design a master plan for the long term future development of the site, a staged works program allowed for the continuous smooth operation of the current facilities and the availability of funds.
Stage 1 was for a new quality control laboratory and an extension of office space. The new Quality Control laboratory, located inside the existing factory building and connected to the existing research laboratories, was designed around a careful analysis of work patterns, contamination control requirements, product and people movement flows. Spaces are organized to maximize the working efficiency of the labs and associated functions. Lightweight steel and glass partitions and sliding doors define and separate functions. They are space efficient; form supports for overhead storage and allow the visual connection between people working in different areas enhancing a feeling of cooperative work. They create a beautiful tracery of transparent planes as well so that the facility is not only rigorously functional but also a beautiful place to work.
Stage 2 was much larger involving the construction of a new research laboratory block, new entry and foyer and extended and renovated office area. Again the design is based on thorough discussion with the client group to understand the working methods and activity flows throughout the building.
Given the necessity to avoid cross contamination the laboratory areas are divided into specific research functions based on the food groups etc., that the research teams would be working on. Each laboratory is largely self sufficient, with specialist equipment, fume cupboards/other extraction devices and their own office areas. As in stage 1, glass partitions between spaces allow for a generous feeling of space throughout and emphasizes a collegiate, connected approach to the work environment. A feature of the laboratory design is the use of light and ventilation chimneys to bring natural light into the centre of the deep plan and to assist with natural ventilation where appropriate, simultaneously visually linking the 2 laboratory floors.
The new labs are deliberately located to be seen by visitors walking to the entry and from the new foyer. In this way they can see the quality of the new laboratories and observe for themselves the seriousness and commitment to research and excellence of Sensient. Conversely the scientists are connected to the front of house activities of a laboratory. Creating a dynamic pedagogical foyer and displaying the process of a laboratory as a live exhibition.
