Case Study: Converting Office Space into a Compliance-Ready Cleanroom

The Challenge

This project came with two major requirements:

• Strict compliance standards tied to the customer contract.

• Increased production capacity within a tight timeline.

Instead of building from the ground up, Keystone needed to convert existing office space into a cleanroom. While no major obstacles arose, the existing structure placed unique restraints on construction. The cleanroom would need to tie into different types of walls and ceilings already in place. This required careful planning and precision execution.

The stakes were high: if the cleanroom wasn’t completed on time, Keystone risked production delays and missed contract deadlines.

The Solution

Encompass Cleanrooms designed and executed a tailored plan to meet Keystone’s needs while minimizing disruption to their active operations.

Key steps included:

• Ceiling & flooring upgrades: Removing the existing ceiling and refinishing the concrete floor to create a compliant foundation.

• Dual wall system integration: Installing two different wall systems from two manufacturers to meet multiple requirements within the same space.

• HVAC coordination: Partnering with Keystone’s HVAC contractor to reconfigure the system and ensure compatibility with HEPA filters and required air changes.

• Minimized downtime: Phasing the build to allow Keystone to continue operations and maximize production output during construction.

The Results

The project delivered a cleanroom that:

• Met the compliance and capacity requirements of the new contract.

• Was completed within the tight timeline, avoiding production delays.

• Provided Keystone with a functional and visually impressive cleanroom now used as a showpiece for customer tours.

Keystone was so satisfied with the outcome that they’ve already engaged Encompass for additional work - a testament to the success of the project and the strength of the partnership.