High-quality laboratory specification AHU for the Natural History Museum’s Ancient DNA Lab

The Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road in South Kensington was the second most visited UK attraction in 2023, welcoming 5.6 million visitors to view and experience the exhibitions and displays. It’s not only an incredibly important visitor location, but also a leading science research centre, with laboratories that study and analyse the genetic makeup and DNA of ancient species and modern ecosystems.

Recently, AirCraft Air Handling has manufactured a supply and extract AHU for use in ventilating and heating the Ancient DNA laboratory at the Natural History Museum, where artefacts, including bones that date to the Jurassic period, are carefully examined and analysed.

The new unit was a direct replacement to an ageing clean room AHU that was installed some years ago. To ensure ease of installation we worked to the exact dimensions of the old unit to allow for connection to the existing ducting, cold and low-pressure hot water systems. We also fitted laboratory quality HEPA supply filters and pre-specified extract filters to the AHU. To help with energy efficiency, we installed an energy efficient electronically commutated (EC) fan.

The new AHU was delivered directly to our client, with the contractor undertaking the installation of the unit.