Containerised Research Lab - Market Testing

Containerised Research Laboratory - Market Testing Exercise

Project Background:

The University of Bristol is looking to procure an off-site manufactured, prefabricated research laboratory, delivered as a containerised or modular building system. The facility will be used to test technologies involving pyrophoric materials, requiring a high level of safety, environmental control and security.

Our current (but not yet fixed) concept is a facility formed from two combined 40ft container modules, fitted out off-site and delivered to our site (a large warehouse-style hanger) ready for final integration.

Key anticipated features include:

• Fully prefabricated modular laboratory construction.
• Laboratory can be manufactured quickly.
• Laboratory can be quickly decommissioned, easily moved to another site and recommissioned.
• Very high security design to meet controlled material handling requirements.
• High level of fire safety and uses fire resistant materials.
• Non-water-based fire suppression system (water incompatible with materials).
• Very high integrity enclosure (safe from accidental water ingress).
• Continuous temperature control.
• Low-humidity environment (<50%).
• Integrated safety and environmental sensors (smoke, moisture, gas detection, etc.)
• Moderate / High-voltage electrical supply and technical service distribution.

What We Are Seeking

For this market testing exercise, we are specifically looking for suppliers with proven capability to design, and manufacture prefabricated or containerised laboratory facilities off-site, including:

• Turnkey modular / containerised lab manufacturers.
• Off-site construction specialists with in-house design and MEP capability.
• Suppliers experienced in specialist or hazardous-materials research environments.

The successful supplier (in any future procurement) would be expected to:

• Work with the University to develop the design from initial concept through to RIBA Stage 4 (approx. 3 months).
• Provide or assist with technical design input, including structural, architectural, MEP and safety systems.
• Manufacture and fit out the laboratory off-site.
• Deliver

The purpose of this Market Testing exercise is to:

Assess the range of suppliers available.

Gather insights on market capacity and potential approaches.

Inform internal decision-making on whether to proceed with a formal procurement process.

Please note:

This is not a regulated procurement process under. Public Contracts Regulations.

Participation does not constitute any commitment by University of Bristol to award a contract or run a competitive tender.

Following responses, we will determine whether to initiate a formal competition or explore alternative options.

We invite interested suppliers to provide information to support our understanding of the market.

Interested parties should express their interest by clicking on the link below and completing the questionnaire no later than 17.00 GMT on Friday 5th December 2025.