Project Brief
Client
South East Water
Project Type
Turnkey Lab Construction
Time Scale
30 Weeks
Value
£3.5M+
Key Areas
Sample Preparation Area
Chemistry Lab
Micro Biology Lab
Cryptosporidium Lab Area
Microscopy Lab / Dark Room
Inorganic Lab
Organic Lab
Chromatography Area
Balance Area
Taste and Odour Lab
About Facility
Location: South East England
Client: South East Water
Sector: Utilities / Water Analysis
Project Type: Design & Build – Turnkey Laboratory Installation
Services Provided: Laboratory Design & Fit-Out, Office Space Installation, Mezzanine Build, M&E Services
For more on information services that South East Water provide go to southeastwater.co.uk
South East Water – Turnkey Laboratory & Office Fit-Out Project
South East Water appointed InterFocus to deliver a turnkey laboratory and office refurbishment at their newly acquired commercial premises – a former print works located on an industrial estate. The objective was to transform the building into a high-spec UKAS-accredited analytical testing facility that supports their mission to deliver clean, safe drinking water to over 2.1 million people across the South East.
InterFocus was tasked with the full design and build, including analytical laboratories, administration offices, and associated plant infrastructure. The upgraded Orion site now operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring round-the-clock testing of water samples from across the region.
A Critical Facility for Public Health
At the heart of South East Water’s operations, the Orion laboratory plays a vital role in water quality monitoring. Hundreds of samples from taps, reservoirs, and boreholes are tested daily for microscopic and chemical contaminants. This facility not only supports South East Water, but also provides high-quality analytical services for a range of clients including:
Other UK water companies
Environmental health authorities
Blue-chip organisations
Private water suppliers
Building maintenance contractors
Main Scope of Works
This comprehensive laboratory refurbishment project included:
Full Turnkey Design & Build package tailored to meet UKAS accreditation requirements
Construction of a large mezzanine floor for a dedicated plant room and future lab or office expansion
Partitioning throughout the building to create functional laboratory and office zones
Complete mechanical and electrical services installation, including:
HVAC systems
Laboratory heating and cooling
Building Management System (BMS)
Fume extraction and specialist gases
Emergency backup generator
IT infrastructure with data racks, patch panels and future-proof cabling
Integrated security systems including access control, CCTV, and fire detection
Installation of cold rooms, specialist lab equipment and bespoke laboratory furniture
Office space fit-out with ergonomic office furniture
External works including:
Security fencing and automated entrance gates
New car park and waste storage areas
External lighting
Specialist gas storage facilities for laboratory use
Why Choose InterFocus?
With decades of experience delivering laboratory fit-outs across the UK, InterFocus offers a comprehensive design, build and installation service to public utilities, research organisations, and commercial labs alike. Our expertise ensures full compliance with UKAS standards while delivering tailored, future-ready environments.