A brief historical review and description of the development of building science laboratory facilities at the University of Adelaide since 1958 is given, including a discussion of problems of multi-purpose laboratories, provision of large items of equipment, and commitment of limited available space to other facilities. An approach to the design of building science laboratories which considers quality of environment is proposed, and illustrated with reference to acoustics facilities. Ergonomie requirements of chairs, trolley benches, and arrangements for particular acoustic measurements are described. The design and planning approach adopted for the acoustics laboratory is further examined in relation to a possible extension of its application to a complete building science laboratory.