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Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building
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Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building

Client:
Flinders University

Location:
Bedford Park, South Australia

Status:
Completed 2024

Floor Area:
22 000 sqm

Contact Person:
Andrew Schunke

Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) heralds a new era of medical research and innovation. The 22,000-square-metre and 10-storey facility is an expansive network that ambitiously brings together market-leading research, education and clinical expertise with community, culture and nature.   

The tangible connection to the past creates a bedrock for sustainable practice, reminding us of our shared history while pushing the frontier of science and research into the future.   

HMRB has achieved a Platinum rating under WiredScore certification, making it the first medical research institute in the world to receive this rating for its cutting-edge digital capabilities.  

  

A landmark building   

The HMRB is the centrepiece and first completed building in Flinders Village—Adelaide’s largest fully integrated education, research and healthcare precinct. HMRB was envisioned as a connective environment housing state-of-the-art wet and dry research laboratories, workspaces and seminar rooms with generous amenity. 

Designed to connect 

This is Rainbow Country – the land holds the stories of time and memory. Through in-depth consultation with the Cultural Narrative and Indigenous Art Advisory Panel, including Dr. Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien, Flinders University’s Senior Elder on campus, the design concept responded clearly and directly to the lore of Kaurna people.   

The visibility of First Nations stories reminds all users that the building adds a new chapter to the continuous history of the land.   

  • Building is characterised by contour lines and tactile materials, inside and out  
  • Each floor level is distinguished by a different colour palette internally, that corresponds with the multi-coloured sands of Rainbow Yarta (Country)  
  • Façade blades guide views toward significant Kaurna sites while commissioned artworks celebrate knowledge and healing   

Powering Research  

The research spaces comprise PC2 wet and dry labs designed with the flexibility to support different workflows, group sizes and research streams.  

  • PC2 labs and research areas  
  • 640 researchers, clinicians, and staff working inside  
  • 7,300+ sqm of office space including open plan zones, quiet rooms, and meeting rooms  
  • Spaces can be easily re-configured to serve a range of research projects as science and technologies evolve  
  • All areas are visually connected and integrated with the building, putting research on display for the passersby. 

Collaboration and community   

Weaving social spaces throughout this high-performance building encourages community, collaboration and transparency.   

  • Central interconnecting staircase plays a significant role in the careful balance between technical and social spaces. Wellbeing messages have been inscribed on the staircase handrails at both ends of the building, providing facts about wellness and physical exertion as well as encouraging social interactions and collaboration amongst building occupants  
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with natural light while adjoining seating offers respite and landscape views  
  • Extensive planting and green terraces enliven the interior  
  • Atria and ‘winter gardens’ provide a biophilic experience for researchers and visitors  
  • Amenities include staff kitchen and breakout spaces, parents’ room, multi-faith and Wudu (foot wash) rooms, bike storage and end-of-trip facilities.  

Sustainability   

The HMRB embeds sustainable design harnessing 100% renewable electricity (solar and wind) and passive ventilation and daylight controls. The facility is on target to achieve Gold WELL and LEED certification for sustainability and wellbeing.  

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100%
powered by renewable electricity (solar and wind). The facility is on target to achieve Gold WELL and LEED certification for sustainability and wellbeing.

1st
medical research institute in the world to receive a Platinum WiredScore rating for its cutting-edge digital capabilities

Client:
Flinders University

Location:
Bedford Park, South Australia

Status:
Completed 2024

Floor Area:
22 000 sqm

Contact Person:
Andrew Schunke

Awards

Australian Institute of Architects (SA) Awards,
South Australian Architecture Medal, 2025

Australian Institute of Architects (SA) Awards,
The Dr John Mayfield Award for Educational Architecture, 2025

Australian Institute of Architects (SA) Awards,
The Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture, 2025

Australian Institute of Architects (SA) Awards,
Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2025

Lab Design Excellence Awards, Excellence in Interior Design, 2025

Zak Awards for Excellence in Façade Design & Engineering,
Award for Excellence in Façade Design – Architect, 2025

European Healthcare Design Awards, High Commendation in Design for Health and Life Sciences, 2025

Master Builders SA Building Excellence Awards,
Commercial Building over $100M (led by Hansen Yuncken), 2025

Australian Institute of Building SA Awards, Professional Excellence Award in Commercial Construction – $60 Million Plus (led by Hansen Yuncken), 2025

World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards, Finalist in Completed Buildings – Higher Education and Research, 2025