Queensland Fertility Group’s (QFG) new IVF laboratory sets a new benchmark in laboratory excellence, patient treatment and staff well being.
For Queensland Fertility Group, it was essential that their new laboratory provided their patients with world class fertility treatment. 8i Architects was engaged by Queensland Fertility Group to design new embryology and andrology laboratories incorporating Virtus Health’s One Lab design principles. The One Lab design principles combine internationally published outcomes in IVF Laboratory design, Virtus’s research and design expertise from 8i Architects.
The facility is owned by Virtus Health – a global leader of assisted reproductive services, day surgeries and reproductive genetics. The design of the facility reflects Virtus’s position as a leader in the field.
In creating a world class healthcare facility, the design has carefully considered the patient’s journey and is supportive of the staff’s health and well-being. For this reason, Queensland Fertility Group engaged 8i Architects, specialists in IVF healthcare design, laboratory processes and environments and patient focussed clinics.
Facilities of this kind are highly sensitive to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – chemicals commonly found in building products. 8i Architects was incredibly careful to keep VOCs low in our design. All products were meticulously researched and regularly tested on site prior to installation. This significantly reduce the time required to off-gas the laboratory, enabling setup and operations to start earlier than expected.
There are extensive technical conditions, specific workflow requirements, equipment and building material knowledge requirements needed to deliver an IVF facility. 8i Architects has passionately remained at the forefront of the latest international research on IVF facilities and technologies since delivering our first IVF Laboratory in 2011. Our team regularly meets with the IVF industry’s top experts and attends national and international fertility conferences to continue to expand on our knowledge.
Our Director, Charmaine Kai, is the only registered architect in Australia who is a member of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE).
Charmaine has for many years been working with some of the most published and internationally renowned scientists and physicians in reproductive biology and medicine.
8i Architects was very pleased to deliver Queensland Fertility Groups’ flagship IVF laboratory. It marks a welcome design-first for fertility laboratories in Queensland.