World-class Flinders University Health & Medical Research Building tops out

The Flinders University Health & Medical Research Building (HMRB) has reached a major milestone, with a topping out ceremony held at the Bedford Park campus.

The world-leading HMRB is the centrepiece in the master plan of the Flinders Village development. Architectus Principal Andrew Schunke and Associate Principal Diana Rosenthal joined the team from Flinders University to mark the completion of the structure – celebrating the jewel in the crown of this remarkable project.

“We’re incredibly proud to be standing alongside Flinders University today as we reach this critical milestone in delivering a world-class health and medical research facility that will enable and showcase the work of the best and brightest in the field,” said Andrew.  

Informed by the university’s Cultural Narrative and Indigenous Art Advisory Panel, the HMRB has been designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape and to recognise the cultural significance as the first building on the new Flinders Village site.

“This project has been a benchmark in collaboration. Our national team of experts has engaged the community in hundreds of workshops, particularly with First Nations elders, to design a hub for innovation inspired by its place on Rainbow Country,” said Andrew. 

Linking to the natural pigments of Kaurna Yerta, the HMRB features earth tones that mirror the sedimentary layers of local land, while its terracotta facade draws attention to significant Indigenous landmarks. Bush medicine plants planted when construction started have been nurtured from seedlings so they can be part of the Indigenous Garden that will be a cultural focal point of the finished development.

A significant project for both the community and sustainability, the landscaping connects the university, hospitals and Flinders Station to the HMRB. The design creates accessible pathways across the entire campus and convivial communal spaces for the public to engage with the ground-breaking work happening inside.

The HMRB is also aiming for Gold WELL and LEEDS certification for sustainability and wellbeing. 

“Design elements inside the building remove barriers, giving fellow researchers and the public a window into work that traditionally goes on behind closed doors,” Andrew added. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the community to HMRB in 2024.”

Read more about the Flinders University HMRB here.