João CarreiroNo boring stuff. Impossible is welcome.Whipit

Historical estimate · 2025-05-12

Allocating the floor area

English translation of the Portuguese source. A 2025 concept draft. Estimates, currencies, totals and assumptions are preserved as written, not reconciled or checked against supplier quotes.

To accommodate all the laboratories and support areas comfortably, I recommend between 1 200 and 1 500 m². Below is a suggested allocation:

Area Module Area (m²)
Additive manufacturing 3D printing 80
Cold metalworking Cold metals 120
Hot metalworking Hot metals 80
Laser cutting Laser cutting 50
CNC/router & mill CNC 80
Electronics Electronics 70
Assembly & testing Lab benches & assembly 60
Plastics Plastics 50
Finishing Finishing 60
Testing Testing (including 3D scanner) 60
Textiles Textiles 30
Wet lab Work involving fluids 40
Woodworking Woodworking 100
Software & CAD Software stations 40
Technical-area subtotal 920
Circulation and safety Corridors, exits and perimeter clearances (≈25%) 230
Storage Raw materials and parts 100
Office / meeting room Coordination and training 80
Reception / support Reception, kitchenette, toilets 70
Approximate total 1 400

Rationale

  • Each laboratory includes space for its machines, support workbenches and manoeuvring.
  • Around 25% is added for safe circulation, signage and separation zones.
  • Support areas are included: storage, offices, kitchenette and toilets.

This layout provides an efficient space for self-taught makers and students, without restricting workflow or overloading the machines.