Wilmar International Innovation Centre Enzyme Safety and Food Innovation Laboratory

The Challenge

Wilmar International sought to create a high-performance laboratory within a corporate headquarters that enables advanced food and enzyme research under Bio-Safety Level 2 safety protocols, which are standards that support managing biological material. The space needed to meet rigorous biosafety standards, foster collaboration and remain flexible for future scientific and technological developments. 

The Design Solution

Situated on the third floor of the Wilmar International headquarters in Singapore’s biomedical science district in Biopolis @ One-North, the project unites BSL-2 tissue culture, enzyme processing and food research labs with collaborative writing and research spaces. The layout is designed to make efficient use of the available floor space while enhancing researchers’ access to natural light and maintaining strong visual connectivity across the workplace. 

A central pantry is positioned within the collaboration zone to encourage informal interaction and interdisciplinary exchange. The overall planning approach balances openness and teamwork with the operational and safety requirements of a regulated laboratory environment, while supporting long-term flexibility. For example, the equipment open lab is meant for future equipment expansion of the laboratory; it is fitted with movable lab benches, gas provisions and enough electrical outlets. All benches in the open lab are plug and play to allow lab modification in the future. 

The Design Impact

The project creates a dynamic, high-performance research environment designed to accelerate Wilmar’s advancement in food science, enzyme development and biotechnology. By maximizing daylight access and ensuring visual openness, the laboratory fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and enhances occupant well-being. The adaptable planning strategy further empowers the organization to respond effectively to future scientific and operational changes, all within a secure and resilient laboratory setting. 

Architect of record: RSP 
Design architect: Eric Parry Architects