Inflammatix Building

The refurbishment of two existing industrial buildings in Lisbon, for the installation of Inflammatix’s research and development unit, required an approach capable of combining technical rigour, multidisciplinary coordination and operational reliability. COLUNA supported the process through Technical Due Diligence, Design Management and Integrated Design, contributing to the transformation of the complex into a hybrid environment of laboratories, technical storage and offices, with an integrated response to the regulatory, infrastructural and functional requirements of a medical technology operation.

Location Lisbon, Portugal

Assets Type R&D Laboratories & Offices

Customer Profiles International Medical Technology Company

Services Design Management, Integrated Design, Technical due Diligence

Type of Interventions Refurbishment

Gross Area < 1.000 sq m

Investment EUR 1,000,000

Start / Completion Year 2022 – 2024

Current Status Completed

Gallery

Key Challenges
and Solutions Adopted

The project started from two former industrial buildings previously used for audiovisual production, each with very different spatial characteristics: a more enclosed western warehouse with a large clear internal height, and a more open eastern warehouse with mezzanine office space. The intervention adapted these pre-existing structures to a new programme combining laboratories, technical storage, offices, meeting rooms, reception and support areas, while preserving the buildings’ essential spatial logic.

A central challenge of the process was the coordination between architecture and a dense set of engineering disciplines, including HVAC, water and drainage networks, electrical installations, telecommunications, fire safety and other operationally critical systems. COLUNA’s approach relied on systematic prior coordination and validation of the technical solutions, reducing uncertainty and preventing the works from progressing without proper compatibility between disciplines.

The programme was structured around two distinct operational bodies: the western building concentrated the laboratory, technical and storage functions, while the eastern building accommodated administrative areas, open workspaces, meeting rooms, client-facing functions and staff support spaces. This arrangement reinforced operational clarity, safety and day-to-day efficiency across the whole facility.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the project required particular attention to the robustness of the infrastructure supporting the future operation, including electrical boards, circuits, technical networks and continuity criteria for critical loads. The technical coordination and integrated assessment of the asset supported a safer phased start-up and greater predictability for the client’s entry into operation.

Services provided

As part of Technical Due Diligence, COLUNA assessed the asset and its existing construction and technical conditions, identifying risks, constraints and intervention priorities required to enable the conversion of two industrial warehouses into an R&D and office facility. This work included the review of compliance, safety and operational readiness requirements, forming the basis for more robust decisions before and during the works. Outcome: greater technical clarity on the asset, reduced regulatory risk and better preparation for a controlled operational start-up.

COLUNA led the technical coordination process across architecture, engineering and construction, ensuring design compatibility and the correct sequencing of works, particularly in structural and infrastructure-related matters affecting the critical path. In parallel, COLUNA coordinated with external teams and supported decision-making on issues with direct impact on the client’s future operation. Outcome: lower exposure to rework, stronger control over construction sequencing and more robust decisions throughout the process.

Within the scope of Integrated Design, COLUNA delivered the engineering packages for structure, water supply, drainage, electrical distribution, telecommunications, CCTV, fire safety, HVAC, acoustic design, thermal compliance, PPGRCD and health and safety planning. This work provided the integrated technical response required for the installation of a scientific unit with specific demands in terms of operation, safety and maintenance. Outcome: a coordinated and technically robust solution, prepared to support a demanding laboratory and office operation.

Results /
Impact for the Client

Successful refurbishment of two industrial buildings into an R&D and office facility
Strong technical coordination between architecture, engineering and operational requirements
Reduced risk of delay and rework through prior compatibility review and construction sequence control
Better preparation of the asset for a phased and reliable start-up
Reinforced technical robustness, compliance and continuity of operation across the facility

Before/After Gallery

Before the renovation

After the renovation

Before the renovation

After the renovation

Before the renovation

After the renovation

Inflammatix Building