Clinical Genetics Laboratory Maastricht UMC+
Maastricht, the Netherlands
High-tech laboratories
with heart and soul
The laboratory technicians and researchers at the Clinical Genetics Laboratory at Maastricht UMC+ are getting a “next level” working environment. A working environment that combines high-quality laboratories, quiet workspaces and natural materials. We established the basic principles early on, together with all users. Intensive work sessions and 3D model studies resulted in a shared vision of a place that connects people, processes and disciplines.
In the Entrance Building of Maastricht UMC+
Clinical Genetics is involved in research into genetic and metabolic defects, the detection of hereditary disorders and advising patients and their families. The department is housed in the Maastricht UMC+ Entrance Building, which we designed. This not only provides a welcoming entrance to the hospital, but also necessary space for all hospital staff, including a conference centre, restaurant and roof garden.
The open void links the offices on the fourth floor with the laboratories on the fifth floor, creating space for interaction and knowledge exchange
Two floors, one space
The Clinical Genetics department has a laboratory and office area spread over two floors of the building. Nevertheless, it will soon feel like one space to all colleagues, with plenty of opportunity for meeting and exchanging knowledge and ideas. Whereas equipment is usually the starting point for laboratory design, here the work process is the guiding principle. The result is a highly organised working environment. All this is achieved within the strictest hygienic and technical standards. In a sustainable building with a wooden support structure, which is truly unique.
An open, light-filled heart
The large atrium, which connects the office space on the fourth floor and the laboratories on the fifth floor, serves as a spatial and human connector. From this heart, with pantries and an open staircase, you can look into the innovation lab through the glass walls. It is inevitable that you will regularly encounter each other here. In the office area, closed and open workspaces alternate. In the central zone, you will find phone booths, cubicles and meeting rooms for concentrated work. So no long corridors with doors, but acoustically pleasant workspaces with plenty of daylight.
The laboratories have a clear layout that aligns with an efficient workflow
Clarity brings flexibility
What immediately strikes you when you arrive at the high-tech labs on the fifth floor is the tranquillity, light, uniformity and transparency. The elongated labs, with their continuous lab tables on both sides, are perpendicular to the façade and aligned with the façade grid. Nowhere are there any devices against the glass walls. From the corridor, you can look through the labs to the outside and see the researchers and laboratory assistants at work. All processes are transparent and visible. A clear layout that matches the workflow with samples moving like a train through the various labs. The layout makes collaboration more efficient, both now and in the future.
Flexible future
Labs can be easily connected or subdivided within the façade grid. This guarantees flexibility in the future. Support areas are located directly opposite the lab entrances. These are pleasant seating areas where researchers can work on their projects. But they are also used to support the lab process, as they are clearly visible and accessible.
Labs and wood go together
The entire building is supported by a sustainable wooden frame of cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is also visible in the interior where possible. In principle, it is more sensitive to vibrations than concrete. Is it possible to house laboratories in it, given the strict vibration tolerances that apply? Extensive calculations by international experts made it clear that we can meet all vibration requirements in wood. A great step forward in timber construction and for Maastricht UMC+.
“Together with the users, we have gone to great lengths in the system design. The result is a unique clinical lab environment that fully reflects the stature of Maastricht UMC+ and the expertise of its staff.”
“Together with the users, we have gone to great lengths in the system design. The result is a unique clinical lab environment that fully reflects the stature of Maastricht UMC+ and the expertise of its staff.”
Project data
- Location
- Maastricht, Niederlande
- Functie
- Laboratory for Clinical Genetics in new entrance building
- Size
- 4,000 m² GFA
- Period
- 2021 – 2028
- Status
- Design phase
- Client
- Maastricht UMC+
- User
- Maastricht UMC+
- Team
- Martijn van Bentum, Maarten de Werk, Geert Jan van de Rakt, Menno Roefs, Fadia Baabduh, Stephanie Klein Holkenborg, Mirjam Ophoff, Joris Alofs
- In collaboration with
- Huygen, Deerns, Brekelmans, WSP
Related projects
Maastricht UMC+ Entrance Building
Maastricht, the Netherlands
O&N5 Research and Education Building
Leuven, Belgium
