Te Whatu Ora Waikato Molecular Laboratory

The recent refurbishment of the Waikato Hospital Laboratory is a project that redefines resilience and innovation in healthcare environments. Supporting 125 staff and processing over 5,000 tests every day, the laboratory needed an upgrade that could be delivered without interrupting its critical 24/7 operations. The result is a state of the art facility that enhances functionality, wellbeing, and preparedness for the future.

Flooring was central to achieving this balance of performance and design. Forbo Sphera Energetic Homogeneous Vinyl was specified throughout the laboratory areas, chosen not only for its advanced technical performance but also for its bold and uplifting colour palette. The scheme brings together Shimmer Thyme, Shimmer Pigeon, Vivid Denim, Mystic Blue, Deep Sea, and Vivid Snow to create an energised yet cohesive environment. These tones reflect the lab’s new visual identity which combines scientific imagery with Māori cultural motifs, while also helping to support staff morale in a high pressure setting.

Forbo Sphera offers the durability, chemical resistance, and hygienic properties demanded by clinical spaces. Its seamless surface and welded seams ensures that it is easy to clean, supporting infection control and long-term performance in an environment where precision and sterility are critical. In addition to these performance qualities, the collection contributes to the overall design story by combining high functionality with bold and uplifting colours. To balance the vibrancy of the Energetic palette, Surestep Original Safety Vinyl in colour Smoke was introduced, providing a calm and neutral grounding that enhances the more expressive tones.

Staff areas were finished with Interface Human Nature carpet tiles, where textures and shades were selected to echo the oranges, teals, and blues of the laboratory flooring. This included a variation of the HN840 pattern in a custom blue / teal and dark grey colour chosen by the architects to reflect the connection with the land (whenua) and the surrounding west coast shoreline, further strengthening the connection to the Sphera Energetic palette. Together these choices create a sense of cohesion across the facility while also offering comfort underfoot in breakout and administration spaces.

Delivered in five carefully staged phases, the project integrated seismic upgrades, reconfigured layouts, and the introduction of modern laboratory features, all without disrupting essential services. Its excellence has been recognised nationally, with the refurbishment receiving Gold at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.

By combining performance led design with a thoughtful colour strategy, the flooring helps ensure the laboratory is not only fit for purpose today but also prepared to meet the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.