Orkney Brownfields Laboratory Upgrade—From Crèche to Cutting-Edge
What was once a children’s crèche at China Africa Precious Metals (CAPM) mine in Orkney, North-West Province, is becoming a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory. The Orkney Brownfields Laboratory Upgrade demonstrates how existing spaces can be transformed into high-performance facilities without starting from scratch.
Effective Laboratory Supplies (ELS) Transforms Orkney Mine Laboratory
Strategic Repurposing
The former crèche offered a cost-effective solution within walking distance of the processing plant. Whilst initially designed for childcare, its location and structural footprint made it ideal for laboratory conversion with complete reconfiguration.
This brownfields approach (improving existing infrastructure rather than building new) delivers laboratory excellence without massive capital investment or extended construction timelines.
Challenge & Solution
The transformation required solving critical design issues:
Space reconfiguration: Multiple small rooms didn’t suit laboratory workflows. ELS redesigned the entire layout, creating proper room allocations and functional zones for efficient sample processing.
Furnace room limitations: Original ceiling heights were inadequate. ELS specified complete ceiling removal with new access points for equipment accommodation.
Access problems: Some doors and windows positioned for childcare operations needed complete repositioning. The design included roller door access for the furnace room.
Workflow optimisation: Tea rooms and reception areas were repositioned to improve staff movement and operational efficiency.
Comprehensive Design and Equipment Guidance
ELS delivered a complete laboratory design expertise including :
- Full equipment list tailored to CAPM’s testing requirements
- Detailed room allocations with furniture layouts
- Layout and placement advice for dust, fume, and heat extraction utilities
- Strategic recommendations for door and window positioning
- Electrical reticulation specifications
- Strategic door and window placement
- Finishing guidance for painting and flooring
- Equipment sourcing, including most laboratory equipment and fume cabinets
This comprehensive approach gave CAPM’s construction team clear guidance to execute the infrastructure changes while ELS managed equipment procurement.
Infrastructure Transformation
CAPM’s construction team delivered key infrastructure improvements based on ELS design recommendations. Together, the the Orkney Brownfields Laboratory Upgrade include:
- Furnace room ceiling removal for proper equipment clearance
- Roller door installation for equipment access
- Repositioned reception and welfare spaces
- Reconfigured layouts supporting efficient workflows
ELS managed equipment procurement and sourcing throughout the construction phase.
What’s Next?
With rebuild substantially complete, the project enters final stages:
- Equipment delivery and commissioning
- Staff training for the redesigned laboratory
- Systems integration and operational testing
The Effective Laboratory Supplies Difference
The Orkney project showcases ELS as comprehensive laboratory designers and industry knowledge partners. From initial space assessment and equipment specification through layout optimisation and equipment sourcing, we guide clients through every transformation phase.
This brownfields success proves that high-performance laboratories can emerge from unlikely beginnings. Sometimes the best facilities aren’t built from the ground up—they’re reimagined with the right technical guidance and equipment solutions.
Your existing space might hold more potential than you realise.