woods bagot clads SAHMRI in articulated transparent facade

woods bagot clads SAHMRI in articulated transparent facade
photo by peter barnes
all images courtesy of woods bagot

working alongside the country’s government, local practice woods bagot have designed a medical research facility in adelaide, australia, featuring a distinctive articulated façade which constantly adapts to changing environmental conditions. the ‘south australian health and medical research institute’ (‘SAHMRI’), is conceived as a living organism housing up to 700 researchers and containing an adaptable and flexible program of spaces.

the triangulated façade with adaptable folding sun shades
photo by peter fisher

the 25,000 square meter institute is elevated above ground level allowing green parkland to exist below the structure. a new forecourt surrounds the building serving as an important public space, integral in delivering a sustainable facility for the region.

the building is inspired by the skin of a pine cone
photo by peter fisher

internally, laboratories and other services are positioned around a central atrium, connected with circulation bridges. workspaces are positioned in order to offer a visual connection between floors, with cafés and other communal spaces significant components of the design.

glazed façade detail
photo by peter fisher

the transparent structure allows carefully controlled levels of light into the facility
photos by peter fisher

the atrium flooded with natural light
photo by peter fisher

view of ‘SAHMRI’ from the east of the city
photo by peter fisher

a render of the riverside institute
image © woods bagot

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project info:

location: adelaide, australia
area: 25,000 sqm (269,098 sqf)
completed: 2013

client: south australian health and medical research institute
collaborative partners: RFD (lab design), aurecon (structure design) and NDY & aurecon (services design)
leadership team: thomas masullo, enzo caroscio, peter miglis, anoop menon