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A Study of Overhead Service Carriers
Jeff Strohmeyer, Hellmuth,
Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK)
This presentation will provide a study in overhead service carriers.
The presentation will look at issues that include: Criteria (functionality,
ergonomics, cost, effectiveness, aesthetics), Options (custom vs.
off the shelf systems from casework suppliers), Case Studies (recently
completed projects), and the future of overhead service carriers.
Findings:
The presentation will include present examples from recently completed
laboratory projects, including the University of Illinois Incubator
Facility, in which a custom designed overhead service carrier was
incorporated. This custom carrier attaches to the floor by metal
unistrut which allows for additional overhead storage and for piping
to be brought down to the countertop level as needed. Thin Trespa
panels were used to shroud the piping and conduit above and lighting
and sprinkler systems were also integrated into the carrier. Additionally,
the presentation will cover interviews with casework manufacturers
and others in the industry to establish opinions about the future
of overhead service carriers.
Labs21 Connection:
Flexible modular lab casework systems have been in existence for
more than 30 years, and offer a significant opportunity to create
sustainable laboratory environments that remain flexible enough
to accommodate tenant changes, equipment additions and staff fluctuations.
A major component of any modular system is the provision of fixed
services. Overhead service carriers provide all utilities (generally
excluding water, due to drain issues) in a contained, overhead,
configurable conduit. These service carriers cost approximately
$500 a lineal foot, and while they can be designed and configured
by architects, many casework manufacturers are now designing the
overhead service carrier systems. Maintaining a method of providing
these services without disrupting the flexibility of the casework
systems is an important consideration. Additionally, issues such
as user convenience and ergonomics influence the decisions in service
carrier options.
This presentation will touch on issues related to the utilization
of green building materials, lengthening the life expectancy of
the facility, and the importance of providing safe, ergonomic design
features in new/renovated laboratories.
Biography:
Jeff Strohmeyer is an architect specializing in the programming,
planning, and design of laboratory facilities and high performance
buildings. He is a senior laboratory programmer, planner and architect
with more than 18 years of experience with HOK's Science + Technology
Group. His expert laboratory design solutions result in state-of-the-art,
functional, safe, environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing
spaces for research.
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Mr. Strohmeyer is a member
of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE).
He recently published the article, "Making a Case for Flexible
Lab Design" in Laboratory Design Newsletter.
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