Design For the Future: Prein & Newhof’s New Lab
Prein & Newhof is a civil engineering, environmental consulting, and surveying firm that helps communities and municipalities with sustainable infrastructure solutions. After recent growth within its water and wastewater testing department, its current space was overrun and too small for its workload. The company needed a lab space that would allow it to expand its capacity, promote employee well-being, and welcome visitors and clients.
To meet these goals, Prein & Newhof (P&N) partnered with TowerPinkster to design a new lab. The firm’s need for a larger space allowed it to rethink its current processes and explore a new way of working and serving its clients.
Innovation by Listening: Designing for the Client’s Needs
Our approach to P&N’s project started with extensive listening sessions, where we sought to understand their current operations and how they envision working in the future. These discussions encouraged the P&N team to evaluate their workflow and organizational needs and ask themselves “How should we be working?” Through this dialogue, the project team gained valuable insight into optimizing P&N’s processes to better support their team and serve their clients.
This new lab design prioritizes workflow efficiency through program adjacencies and flexible space planning. A larger, more open reception space reduces congestion and provides ample workspace for staff to interact with visitors. Direct access to delivery and receiving from reception streamlines the logistics of collecting and distributing samples.
The large testing lab employs an open plan to maximize adaptability for current and future research needs, supporting the integration of new equipment and potential building additions. The design also promotes a more comfortable and inviting workspace with increased ceiling height, abundant natural light, and views of the surrounding natural landscape. The bright, and connected environment will enhance team productivity and well-being.
Design for Well-Being + Sustainability
A priority for P&N was creating a space that employees would enjoy working in each day. The design focused on incorporating natural light and views of the surrounding landscape to enhance well-being. Expansive windows and strategically placed open spaces will allow light to permeate the lab, supporting a healthy work environment. The new design sets the parking lot to one side of the building, providing a view from the main workspace into a marshy forest.
To support energy efficiency, the design includes photovoltaic solar panels for renewable energy, and an energy recovery loop that minimizes waste during exhaust ventilation, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. These features ensure that P&N will recoup energy savings over the years.
Design for Flexibility + Identity
The lab was designed to reflect P&N’s identity while supporting its operational needs. Through its distinctive design, the facility will strike a balance between being visually different and harmonizing with its campus surroundings. The building’s recognizable features provide a sense of place, ensuring clients and employees know they’ve arrived at the right location. The new public-facing lobby is designed to comfortably accommodate groups, creating a welcoming first impression.
The space also offers flexibility to support growth and evolving needs. A modular lab layout enables P&N to maintain efficient workflows for future integration of new equipment and team members. This adaptability ensures the space can scale alongside the organization, all while maintaining proper ventilation and prioritizing employee comfort.
Design for Safety + Mechanical Efficiency
P&N’s work involves handling volatile chemicals and specialized equipment, making safety a top priority for its mechanical and electrical components. To support secure operations, the lab includes enhanced ventilation for the rapid removal of corrosive vapors, along with an energy recovery loop to maintain efficiency while protecting air quality. Additionally, a specialized room with thick concrete walls is dedicated to housing Troxler devices— tools that measure the density and moisture content of materials like soil and concrete. These devices use a radioactive source for measurements, requiring careful handling and secure storage when not in use.
Given the critical nature of their testing, it was essential to ensure the building had backup systems and onsite electricity so that power outages or equipment failures wouldn’t disrupt operations or compromise samples.
A Space Built for the Future
Prein & Newhof’s new lab and office expansion is a reimagining of how the firm works and serves clients. By designing a space that prioritizes employee well-being, sustainability, flexibility, and safety, P&N now has a space that supports its mission and positions the company for continued success.