Fact, not fiction

Something small can sometimes inspire a greater concept. In this case, the cell nucleus, more commonly known as a biological building block, has been translated into an architectural form.

Bio21, a facility specialising in commercially-linked health related research, consists of two building spaces, joined by a central atrium. The structure's overall form allows for the changing needs of the occupants, says Christon Smith, director at the architectural firm DesignInc.

"Creating a highly flexible and interactive environment meant collaborating closely with end users and specialist service consultants, investigating and reordering the way research labs work," he says.

Bio21's core comprises research laboratories, lab support spaces and office space. All other components are built, hung, pass through, or link the laboratory blocks, an approach that maximises future flexibility, he says.

The facility, designed to encourage creativity and collaboration amongst researchers, was constructed using ecologically sustainable principles.

Wide circulation routes feature glass walls and slots that maximise daylight, while offering selected views continuously from one facade to the other.

Meeting places, each strategically placed outside the laboratory zone, are either cantilevered off laboratory blocks, or hung from the atrium. Sculpted forms, fully-glazed lifts and open stairs in this area maximise both daylight and movement between floors.

The atrium design has strong visual connections to the outside. High and low level openings, controlled automatically, allow natural ventilation to flush the structure, while horizontal blinds throughout reduce solar gain.

DesignInc's expertise is in the delivery of flexible, technological and ecologically sustainable design. The firm's latest offering, CH2 Melbourne City Council House, received a 6 star energy efficiency rating.

For further information, contact DesignInc, phone (03) 9654 9654. Website: www.designinc.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas