Glycol Synthesis Facility

Callaghan Innovation - Lower Hutt

In the fast developing world of bio-pharmaceutical science, Callaghan Innovation (previously Industrial Research Ltd) required a production facility that enables them to develop their products from laboratory bench scale up to pilot plant scale.

The building, designed to be flexible for future use, meets strict requirements for product and human safety, achieving U.S. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, allowing the products to be used in 2 Clinical Trials.

It contains a two and a half story high Process Hall that is fully serviced and flame proof. Within this are Isolation Cells that provide the hygienic environment required, where they also eliminate cross contamination through the containment of each process. Coupled to this are support facilities that include changing rooms, control room, offices, HVAC plant rooms and laboratories for finishing and packaging the products.

The use of pre-finished aluminium panels, stainless steel, glass and epoxy resins provides the framework for the hygienic areas. Human safety led to the practical solution of using glass for the frontages and racking ceilings. This enables all of the cells to be visible from the Control Room providing safety and communication, as well as being visually attractive.

The building is also used to promote Callaghan Innovation’s operations by attracting international Bio-pharmaceutical science business opportunities. The visual aspect of the building was developed to highlight the technology within while reducing the bulk of the Process Hall. The use of different exterior claddings has created a palate where architectural art meets functional science.

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