A space for life-saving research

Pushing boundaries

We knew from the outset that the Ragon Institute would need more than run-of-the-mill scientific laboratories. Our challenge was to create an inspiring building that the institute’s researchers would call home for decades to come, as they focus their efforts on advancing our understanding of HIV/AIDS, other globally-significant and emerging infectious diseases, vaccine development, and immunology.

A responsive, integrated approach

Together with Payette, we consulted a range of user groups to understand the nature of the research they would undertake in the future building. Input from the institute’s funders, Terry and Susan Rogan, and its current director, Dr Bruce Walker, was vital in ensuring that the building design supports achievement of the institute’s mission, which is to enable researchers to harness the immune system to prevent and cure human disease. The result is six floors of technology-enabled laboratories, light-filled workspaces, and public areas that empower those at the heart of scientific discovery.

Resilient and sustainable

The building’s robust structure is engineered to ensure that vibration does not impact on research. Laboratories, the main electrical room, and generators are all located above ground level to protect them from flooding. Modern science facilities can be energy intensive, and a core aspect of the building’s engineering focuses on managing energy demand by maximising operational efficiency and introducing energy capture, recovery, and reuse where feasible. System resilience is also a key component of the design. The result is a building with energy efficiency that exceeds code requirements by 60%, delivering well ahead of industry standards and contributing to the achievement of the institute’s climate goals.