When a global scientific leader needs precision construction work, there’s no room for disruption, delays, or compromise.
We delivered exactly that for Thermo Fisher Scientific- a fully staged, technically compliant laboratory reconfiguration at their Thebarton, South Australia facility.
This project shows what separates specialist commercial builders from generalist contractors. We worked safely and efficiently inside a live, operational laboratory environment, meeting strict compliance, coordination, and quality standards from start to finish.
Project Overview:
Client: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Location: Thebarton, South Australia
Project Type: Laboratory Reconfiguration and Upgrade
Scope:
- Selective demolition,
- custom joinery,
- flooring,
- electrical services,
- medical gas installation,
- painting and coatings
Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the world’s leading science and technology companies. Their Thebarton facility operates as a critical hub for scientific work across South Australia. When their existing laboratory layout no longer supported optimal workflow and functionality, they engaged us to plan and deliver a staged upgrade- without shutting down operations.
We got to work immediately, developing a construction program built around Thermo Fisher’s operational needs from day one.
The Challenge: Upgrading a Live Laboratory Without Disruption
Reconfiguring an active laboratory is fundamentally different to a standard commercial fit-out. Every decision- from sequencing works to coordinating trades- must account for the sensitivity of the environment, the safety of staff, and the continuity of operations.
For this project, we identified four core challenges upfront:
- Maintaining full laboratory operation throughout the entire construction program
- Coordinating specialist services including electrical and medical gas line installation
- Ensuring full compliance with laboratory construction and safety standards
- Managing selective demolition within an enclosed, active facility
We built a detailed staging plan that allowed us to progress works in zones, minimising the impact on Thermo Fisher’s day-to-day scientific operations at every phase of the project.
Scope of Works: What We Delivered
1. Selective Demolition and Structural Modification
We started with the careful removal of an existing structural steel partition wall. Structural demolition inside a live laboratory demands meticulous planning- we controlled dust, vibration, and site access at every step to protect both staff and sensitive equipment on the floor.
Our team executed this work safely and efficiently, clearing the way for the new, improved layout without interrupting surrounding laboratory activities.
2. Commercial-Grade Vinyl Flooring and Substrate Preparation
Once we completed the structural changes, we prepared substrates and installed new commercial-grade vinyl flooring throughout the reconfigured space.
We selected flooring that meets commercial laboratory standards- built to withstand heavy use, chemical spills, and the rigorous cleaning regimes that are standard in scientific environments. Durability, chemical resistance, and hygiene drove every product decision we made.
3. Custom Laboratory Bench Fabrication and Installation
We purpose-built and installed custom laboratory benches as one of the centrepiece elements of this upgrade. Each bench was fabricated to exact specifications, featuring:
- Laminate worktops– durable, hygienic, and suited to laboratory conditions
- Steel support frames– providing structural integrity and long-term stability
- Layouts we designed to improve workflow and spatial efficiency within the reconfigured floor plan
Custom joinery and benching sits at the core of what we do at Adelaide Master Builders. We applied the same precision-built approach on projects like the WOTSO Adelaide workspace fit-out and the Victory Curtains & Blinds office renovation- and we brought that same standard to the Thermo Fisher laboratory.
4. Internal Floor Coating and Painting Works
We finished all internal surfaces with professional-grade floor coatings and painting works, ensuring the upgraded laboratory met both functional and aesthetic standards. We selected coatings specifically for their durability and chemical resistance- two critical requirements in any working laboratory environment.
Clean, well-finished surfaces reflect the exacting standards Thermo Fisher Scientific maintains across all their operations, and we made sure our work matched that standard in every room.
5. New Electrical Services Installation
The reconfigured layout required us to fully update the electrical services infrastructure. We installed new electrical services to suit the revised floor plan, ensuring all power, lighting, and service points aligned with the updated bench layout and revised workflow.
We managed all electrical works in close coordination with existing facility services, ensuring strict compliance with relevant Australian Standards throughout- no shortcuts, no workarounds.
6. Medical Gas and Service Line Installation
We also coordinated and installed new medical gas and service lines to support the upgraded laboratory infrastructure- arguably the most technically specialised element of the entire project.
Medical gas installation demands specialist knowledge, licensed tradespersons, and strict compliance with AS/NZS standards. We managed this work as part of our broader trades coordination approach, ensuring all service lines were correctly installed, pressure-tested, and fully compliant before we handed the project over.
How We Managed a Live Laboratory Environment
Delivering construction works inside an occupied commercial space is always complex. In a laboratory setting, that complexity is amplified. Here’s how we kept the project safe, compliant, and on programme:
| Challenge | How We Responded |
|---|---|
| Active laboratory operations | We staged works in zones to keep operations running |
| Sensitive equipment and staff | We controlled dust, vibration, and access throughout |
| Specialist service coordination | We integrated trades scheduling across electrical and gas |
| Compliance requirements | We aligned all works to laboratory and Australian Standards |
| Programme certainty | We delivered on time, on programme, to full client satisfaction |
We take this same structured, accountable approach on every commercial project we deliver- from the Adelaide Fringe office fit-out through to the Nuriootpa Optometrists retail fit-out, where staged delivery and minimal disruption were equally critical priorities.
Why Specialist Laboratory Fit-Out Requires an Experienced Builder
Not every commercial builder can work inside live scientific or medical facilities. We’ve developed the specific capabilities this environment demands, and we bring them all together on every laboratory and specialist fit-out we take on.
Compliance knowledge– we understand the relevant Australian Standards for laboratory construction, electrical services, and medical gas installation. We don’t rely on guesswork; we build compliance into our program from day one.
Trade coordination– we schedule and manage multiple licensed trades with precision. In specialist environments, errors in sequencing cause costly delays and compliance failures. We don’t let that happen.
Staged delivery– we plan and execute works in zones, around active operations. This is a capability we’ve built and refined across numerous live-environment commercial projects across Adelaide and South Australia.
Custom fabrication– we build laboratory benches, service integrations, and bespoke internal layouts to exact specifications. Our joinery and fit-out capability means clients deal with one accountable team, not a fragmented chain of subcontractors.
About Adelaide Master Builders
We are a specialist commercial and residential construction and fit-out company based in Adelaide, South Australia. We work across commercial office, retail, medical, industrial, and residential sectors — delivering projects that are technically demanding, time-sensitive, and quality-driven.
We’ve completed fit-outs and renovations for national and global clients, delivered residential renovations, structural alterations, and specialist facility upgrades across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Whatever your project- a laboratory reconfiguration, a commercial office fit-out, or a full residential renovation- we bring the same precision, professionalism, and accountability every time.
Delivering Laboratory Fit-Out in Adelaide with Precision and Compliance
The Thermo Fisher Scientific laboratory upgrade at Thebarton is a clear demonstration of what we deliver when complexity, compliance, and client expectations are all high.
From structural demolition to custom benching, specialist electrical services to medical gas installation — we planned, coordinated, and executed every element to the highest standard. We finished on time, and we did it without disrupting a live scientific facility.
If your Adelaide business needs a specialist laboratory, commercial, or facility fit-out, we’d love to hear about your project. Contact Adelaide Master Builders today and let’s talk about what we can build for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Laboratory Fit-Out Adelaide
Can you complete a laboratory fit-out without shutting down operations?
Yes. We have extensive experience delivering staged construction programs inside live commercial and laboratory environments. We develop detailed staging plans that allow us to progress works in zones, keeping your operations running throughout the entire project.
What types of commercial fit-outs does Adelaide Master Builders specialise in?
We specialise in commercial office fit-outs, laboratory and medical facility upgrades, retail fit-outs, warehouse and industrial renovations, and residential renovations and extensions across Adelaide and South Australia.
Where is Adelaide Master Builders based?
We’re based in Adelaide, South Australia. We deliver projects across metropolitan Adelaide and regional SA