In cleanroom design and construction, we frequently encounter what initially appear to be “impossible” requests from clients. Yet experience has taught us that the boundary between 'unrealistic' and 'groundbreaking' often lies in our ability to think beyond conventional solutions and embrace innovative engineering.
Our recent delivery of two customised modular cleanrooms for a Canadian client perfectly demonstrates how we transform seemingly impossible requirements into engineered realities – proving that with innovative thinking, even the most challenging specifications can become achievable solutions.
Project overview: tailored design meets functionality
The project involved the construction of two distinct cleanrooms, each tailored to the client’s specific operational needs:
ISO 6 (Class 1,000) cleanroom – free-standing with 135-degree angled walls
Custom geometry: designed with 135-degree angled walls to seamlessly integrate into the client’s existing building layout, optimising space utilisation without compromising structural integrity.
Material selection: constructed using high-grade aluminium alloy frames and acrylic panels, combining durability with aesthetic appeal. The walls feature a mix of transparent and opaque (white) panels to balance natural light diffusion and privacy.
Modular flexibility: the free-standing structure allows for future reconfiguration or expansion, ensuring long-term adaptability.
ISO 7 (Class 10,000) cleanroom – standard square layout
Efficient design: built with a conventional square footprint, this cleanroom prioritises functionality and ease of operation. Like its counterpart, it utilises aluminium alloy frames and acrylic panels, with a focus on cleanability and compliance.
Seamless integration: the design complements the angled ISO 6 cleanroom, creating a cohesive workspace for the client’s operations.
Engineering excellence: overcoming design challenges
The 135-degree angled cleanroom posed unique engineering challenges, particularly in ensuring airtight seals and maintaining ISO 6 compliance across non-standard joints. Airkey’s team leveraged advanced and precision fabrication techniques to achieve flawless panel alignment and seamless integration with the building’s architecture.
Material innovation: transparency and performance
The use of acrylic panels offered dual advantages:
Transparency: enhanced visibility and natural light penetration, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Durability: resistant to corrosion and easy to clean, meeting the client’s demand for low-maintenance surfaces. The white opaque sections were strategically placed to shield sensitive processes while maintaining a bright, professional environment.
Looking ahead
As demand for flexible, high-quality cleanrooms grows, Airkey continues to invest in modular technologies and global service networks. This Canadian project serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
