Flinders University
Health and Medical
Research Building

Client:
Flinders University

Location:
Bedford Park, SA

Completion:
2024

Size:
22,000m²

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. 

MoreLess