The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) at the University of Queensland’s AIBN Building recently underwent a strategic expansion to support growing research activities and advanced infrastructure needs. Existing cleanroom facilities were reaching capacity, prompting a refurbishment of adjacent meeting and lobby areas to create additional laboratory space.
The project delivered 65m² of new Class 10,000 cleanroom, providing essential space for both new and existing research equipment. Alongside the new laboratories, extensive infrastructure upgrades were undertaken to support associated mechanical and electrical systems, including careful coordination of services within the ceiling space of the adjoining PC2 laboratory. Existing cleanrooms also received significant enhancements as part of the works, ensuring all facilities meet current and future research requirements.
Delivering this project within a live laboratory environment presented unique challenges. DM2 played a central role in developing staged construction plans for contractors and guiding the client in managing ongoing lab operations in compliance with strict regulatory standards. This collaborative approach ensured the smooth delivery of the expansion while maintaining uninterrupted operations for ANFF, supporting the facility’s critical research activities.
