The transformation of cleanroom and laboratory planning

Definition

Constantly increasing requirements in cleanroom and laboratory areas demand more and more focus on holistic and collaborative planning and tendering. The more defined and precise the planning pre-works are, the more accurately and cost-effectively a construction project can be implemented.

Therefore, in 2021, OverLab GmbH was founded by Michael Spahn, Thomas Rapp, and Michael Rapp. All three come from practical experience and have many years of expertise in the cleanroom sector from Kelvin Reinraumsysteme GmbH, including roles as managing directors. Now, the spectrum is being expanded once again to include comprehensive planning and its tendering. The primary focus of the independent OverLab GmbH is on the full planning and tendering of cleanrooms and laboratories using Building Information Modeling (BIM) in service phases 1-9, as well as consulting companies and public clients.

BIM runs like a red thread through all areas of the construction project. Standardizations such as ISO 16739:2013, DIN SPEC 91400, and VDI 2552 sheets 1 to 10 set guidelines that make the realization of the construction project with BIM more cost-effective and productive. For example, BIM 3D models can be used to create construction sequence simulations, model-based schedules, and tender documents.
Michael Spahn states: “We offer our clients 3D planning free of charge because we are convinced that it provides a significant added value not only for the client but also for us.”

The integration of planning and execution means combining various processes and methods. To achieve this, OverLab uses the latest technologies employed in planning and construction supervision. From the first service phase, connectivity with various project stakeholders begins. Communication tools such as video calls, cloud, or CDE (Common Data Environment) are already used here to ensure a productive communication flow with the client and all trades and companies involved in the construction project.

From the end of 2022, BIM Level I will be mandatory for all federal buildings according to the master plan of the BMVg and BImA. OverLab aims to advocate clearly for digitalization in construction. To advance BIM in the field of cleanroom and laboratory planning, the benefits must first be made clear to every decision-maker. “We offer every client and public client a cost-neutral and open preliminary discussion to demonstrate what can be achieved through digitalization with BIM,” says Michael Spahn. OverLab GmbH also offers comprehensive consulting for cleanroom and laboratory facilities with a special Place-In planning, where the facility can be directly planned on the 3D model together with the client or user. Afterwards, the installed cleanroom or laboratory can be virtually explored with a VR headset.

Among other things, the following advantages arise in planning with BIM for clients and executing companies compared to conventional planning methods:

– Reduction of planning and tendering intensity
– Transparency for clients
– Easier and thus cost-saving updating of the execution planning up to the as-built model
– Time- and cost-optimized coordination of assemblies
– Easier creation of logistics and schedule plans as well as documentation materials

The service scope of OverLab GmbH covers all essential specialist areas of the cleanroom and laboratory industry:

– Physical laboratories / Chemical laboratories
– GMP rooms of all classes
– ISO cleanrooms of all classes
– Analytical laboratories
– Microbiological laboratories of biosafety levels BSL1 (S1), BSL2 (S2), BSL3 (S3)
– Radioisotope laboratories
– Pharmacies / Cytostatic laboratories
– Thermally controlled cleanrooms

Additional planning services in the GMP sector:

– Monitoring systems
– GMP-compliant documentation guidelines
– Zone and ventilation concepts
– QMP (Qualification Master Plan)
– Risk analyses
– Model-based lighting calculation

OverLab® is a member of buildingSMART Deutschland e.V. and advocates for a uniform implementation of BIM in the cleanroom and laboratory sector.