UTAS School of Architecture

The University of Tasmania, in conjunction with Sustainable Built Environments engaged Six Degrees Architects to design the new School of Architecture and Design in Launceston.

Six Degrees Architectures’ engagement was substantially based on the basis of both their renowned clear design approach and commitment to environmentally sustainable design.

The new School of Architecture and Design in Launceston was a new adaptive reuse of a heritage factory building.

The design was based around the School’s pedagogical approach of “learning by making” and incorporated a large workshop and multidisciplinary teaching space into the interior of the building.

Significant ESD methodologies including under‑floor heating, displacement ventilation, and labyrinth cooling were utilized.

The building has been widely recognised, securing multiple design, heritage, and sustainability awards.

UTAS School of Architecture was developed by Sustainable Built Environments in association with Six Degrees Architects to incorporate best practice in environmental sustainability from project inception, rather than as an “add on” during the design process.

Sustainable Built Environments are the principle consultants, reflecting the importance placed on this role by the University and the School of Architecture.

A large investment in ESD initiatives lowered operating costs and provided a future-proofed, flexible building with a long expected life-span.

The design is sympathetic to the industrial heritage of the building and precinct.

The retention of the existing saw tooth roof and concrete structure, and the incorporation of large voids within the building maintain the expansive spatiality of the original 1950’s Diesel Workshop Building.

Particular attention was given to composition of the southern facade to maintain the overall outline of the Diesel Workshop from the Traverser, while still identifying and expressing the new School entry points.

At the 10th Anniversary celebration Head of School Professor Kirsten Orr reflected on the School of Architecture and Design by saying, “This award-winning conversion provides an extraordinary backdrop to the school’s activities.”

“It is this building, its location in Launceston – the ultimate university city – and the staff, students, and activities it contains, that drew me to the University of Tasmania in March last year as the new Head of School.”

Awards

2007 AIA (National) Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage

2007 AIA (National) Award for Sustainable Architecture

2007 AIA (Tas) Sustainable Architecture Award

2007 AIA (Tas) Public Architecture Award

2007 AIA (Tas) Heritage Architecture Award

Project Details

Project size – 4,500 m2
Completion date – 2007
Building levels – 2

Project Team

Architecture

Six Degrees Architects

Established in 1992, Six Degrees is one of Australia’s leading architectural practices.

Practice areas include residential, master-planning and place making, aged care and community, office and workplace, hotels and hospitality, and education, delivering design solutions for both new and heritage places.

www.sixdegrees.com.au

Photography

Patrick Rodriguez

Patrick is a commercial photographer based in Melbourne with over 10 years of industry experience, collaborating closely with clients in design, architecture, fine arts, editorial industries and with local government; documenting heritage materials and artworks for the City of Melbourne, the State Library Victoria and other arts related organisations.

www.patrickrodriguez.com.au