Award-winning biomedical research facility
Project Info
Client
University of Wollongong
Architect
Jacobs
Value
$57 million
Completed
2020
This five-storey state-of-the-art biomedical research facility spans almost 7,000sqm across two wings, inter-connected by a glazed atrium link. It incorporates multiple laboratories (PC2 and BC2), including biological microscopy equipment and high-performance electron microscopes (Titan Krios and Cryo-TEM), and rooftop platform for atmospheric chemistry.
The first building in the world to use Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer in a suspended ferrous-free slab, ensuring uninhibited operation of highly sensitive microscopes.
Achieving a sterile environment was critical to ensure ambient levels of vibration and electromagnetic fields (EMF) were sufficiently low. State-of-the-art EMI shielding protection eliminated electromagnetic interference in transmission electron microscope suites, as well as the atmospheric chemistry laboratory, which tests local atmospheric conditions (in collaboration with NASA).
Awards
Winner, New South Wales Master Builders Association ‘Excellence in Construction’ Award for Innovation – Construction Technique/Equipment 2020
Winner, New South Wales Master Builders Association ‘Excellence in Construction’ Award for Tertiary Building $50M - $100M 2020
