Sustainable Building Speeds Research, Pleases Judges
February 27th, 2009 - Media Statement
A new building that is a joint venture between The University of Western Australia and the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) is the winner of the Bassett Award for Sustainable Development in the 2009 Property Council State Innovation and Excellence Awards.
The Biomedical Research Facility at UWA's Shenton Park Field Station is tipped to speed up research into the genetic causes of human diseases. It houses some of the nation's leading scientists and researchers and has already received several awards for innovation and commitment to design and sustainability.
It was designed by Hames Sharley, whose Peel office building for Alcoa was also a finalist in the awards. Principal of Hames Sharley, James Edwards, said the building was testament to the University's early leadership in sustainability and the project set a high benchmark.
The 3,000m2 facility harnesses the latest advances in scientific, technological and research developments in Australia and abroad, among them an Australian-first sanitation system which ensures safer decontamination.
WAIMR Director Peter Klinken said the facility would help accelerate research being undertaken by WAIMR, UWA and hospital staff and researchers. Its innovative design features allow for contemporary research of the highest standard.
"The facility boasts innovative new technologies and equipment that will enable more rapid identification and testing of genes involved in human disease," Professor Klinken said.
It is the first of three planned facilities which will combine to form a platform of excellence for biomedical research in WA.
For more information please contact:
James Edwards
Hames Sharley
Office: (08) 9381 9877
Sally-Ann Jones
UWA Public Affairs
Office: (08) 6488 7975
Mobile: 0420 790 098
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0411 404 415
Office: (08) 9388 9280
