The Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) is a groundbreaking 22,000-square-metre, 10-storey facility that seamlessly integrates medical research and clinical expertise with community, culture, and nature. As the first completed building in the Flinders Village, it features state-of-the-art laboratories and flexible workspaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Inspired by First Nations narratives of Kaurna Country, the building’s unique expression is characterised by contour lines and a distinct colour palette, responding to land, sea and sky, through its form, outlook, and materiality. The facility’s complex laboratories and flexible open-plan workspaces prioritise researcher well-being. Full-height glazing enhances visual connection and spatial openness, while interconnecting atria provide biophilic break-out spaces, fostering social interaction and collaboration among researchers. A defining feature of the HMRB is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The building has been designed with a focus on reducing its carbon footprint and conserving resources. The HMRB is targeting LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications thanks to its use of energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly materials. The building’s energy-efficient systems, combined with a strong focus on waste reduction and water conservation, have positioned it as a leader in the movement toward a more sustainable built environment. HMRB is the first medical research institute globally to achieve a Platinum WiredScore rating, highlighting its advanced digital capabilities. With its emphasis on community, wellbeing, and cutting-edge research, HMRB sets a new standard for medical research facilities in Australia.

Photography by Trevor Mein (External) and Shannon McGrath (Interior)