SAHMRI Research Institute by Woods Bagot

Click here to watch embedded video.

Well, well, well… We don’t tend to cover too many government buildings here on Yellowtrace (just to clarify – that would be, errr, never), but I love making exceptions every once in a while, particularly when a project pushes the boundaries of what a large-scale commercial building should look like. Add to that the fact we are talking about Australian Architecture, in Adelaide of all places, and I’m SOLD! Credit where credit is due, right? Speaking of giving credits, full props to the spectacular photography by Peter Clarke, and whoever produced this beautiful video. Love your work.

Woods Bagot worked with the South Australian Government to establish the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). The building houses up to 700 researchers looking at ways to foster innovation and improvements in health services, leading to improved health outcomes for the community.

Inspired by the skin of a pine cone, the building’s unique triangulated dia-grid facade responds to it’s environment like a living organism, acting as an articulated sunshade. Following an intensive environmental analysis with consultants Atelier 10, Woods Bagot used parametric modelling tools to integrate environmental, programmatic, and formal requirements into the facade. As part of an innovative sustainability program, the project is the first laboratory building in Australia designed to achieve a LEED Gold rating.

The key driver of the building design is to foster collaboration between researchers, achieved by the introduction of interconnecting spiral stair within the atria and bridges, providing visual connection between floors. Since we are on the topic of the atrium, can I level with you on something that’s been bugging me about this project? As much as I find the building world class, I feel completely underwhelmed with the choice of furniture in the atrium space. It’s such a shame that the furnishings couldn’t rise to meet the building in this case.

This major urban research building was the recipient of a number of awards, repositioning Adelaide as a city of innovation. High fives and bum taps to everyone involved.