The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia initiated the construction of the country’s first Biosafety Level 3 (BSL‑3) diagnostic and research laboratory, located at the renowned Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines, and Serums in Belgrade.
The goal was to strengthen national biosecurity capabilities and enable the safe handling, analysis, and research of high‑risk pathogens within a fully compliant, state‑of‑the‑art facility.
Our team delivered the project as a turnkey solution, covering all phases — from engineering and cleanroom construction to equipment installation, start‑up, and commissioning.
Client
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia
(Project Coordination Unit on behalf of the Ministry)
The Challenge
Serbia needed a high‑containment BSL‑3 facility built to international technical and regulatory standards — a complex task requiring advanced engineering, precise coordination, and specialized expertise.
Key challenges included:
- Designing and constructing a fully compliant BSL‑3 cleanroom environment.
- Ensuring safe operation under pressure fluctuations up to ±1000 Pa.
- Integrating high‑performance mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and automation systems into a compact and highly controlled space.
- Managing strict biosecurity and biosafety requirements across all work packages.
- Delivering the entire project under a turnkey framework, including commissioning and qualification preparation.
Our Solution
We delivered a fully integrated BSL‑3 diagnostic and research facility using a comprehensive turnkey approach, including:
Cleanroom & Containment Construction
- Installation of a certified cleanroom panel system compliant with VDI 2083‑19:2019, leak‑tightness class 4.
- Wall integrity designed for ±1000 Pa pressure fluctuations.
- Ceilings constructed from cleanroom panels mounted on a metal substructure, with inspection openings for service access.
Technical Systems & Infrastructure
- Complete Mechanical, HVAC, Electrical, and Automation works designed for BSL‑3 safety performance.
- Integration of an Environmental Monitoring System for continuous tracking of critical parameters.
- Water supply and drainage lines for autoclave operation within the BSL‑3 area.
Interior Fit‑Out & Materials
- Aluminium internal doors with steel frames for enhanced durability and sealing performance.
- Homogeneous PVC flooring system across the entire BSL‑3 area — chemically resistant, seamless, and suitable for hydrogen peroxide decontamination.
- Cleanroom flooring optimized for containment, wear resistance, and long‑term operational stability.
Commissioning & Qualification
- Start‑up, commissioning, and preparation for facility qualification, ensuring full readiness for regulatory inspections and operational certification.
Key Metrics & Technical Data
| Specification | Value |
| Total BSL‑3 Area | 163 m² |
| Cleanroom Area | 715 m² |
| Panels Installed | 3,140 m² total (2,180 m² walls + 960 m² ceilings) |
| Certification Standard | VDI 2083‑19:2019, leak‑tightness class 4 |
| Pressure Resistance | up to ±1000 Pa |
Project Highlights
This project delivered Serbia’s first fully compliant BSL‑3 diagnostic laboratory, marking a major milestone in the country’s public health and scientific infrastructure.
The facility enables the safe handling and analysis of pathogens such as:
- SARS‑CoV‑1
- Yellow fever virus
- West Nile virus
- Eastern equine encephalitis virus
- MERS‑CoV
- Various bacterial, fungal, and rickettsial pathogens
The new center significantly expands the national capacity for infectious disease diagnostics, surveillance, and research, providing the Ministry of Health and the Torlak Institute with a modern, secure, and reliable high‑containment environment.
Outcome & Impact
The newly constructed BSL‑3 facility enhances Serbia’s ability to respond to epidemic threats, conduct advanced research, and meet international biosafety standards.
By integrating all work packages into a turnkey delivery model, we ensured seamless execution from engineering to handover — achieving a robust, compliant, and future‑proof laboratory infrastructure.