Create a new lab is very easy. First, launch openalelab with ipython lab, pass in "Edit layout" and customize your interface. Once satisfied, quit openalealab. Copy content of file $HOME/.openalea/ipython.oaui in a file. Replace null with None, false with False and true with True to obtain a "python layout".
Copy paste this sample:
And replace "{'children': {}, 'parents': {}, 'properties': {}}" with the "python layout"