B316 Sciences, Curtin University’s new 19,00m² laboratory and teaching building in Perth will target exemplar environmental performance and 6* Greenstar sustainability accreditation.
The new university building B316 Sciences will provide 19,00m2 of laboratory and teaching space, promoting visual connectivity with a highly transparent glazed facade. We worked closely with Grimshaw Architects to provide facade engineering services for the new building envelope. The thermal performance and daylight is tailored for the adjacent spaces and the differing requirements of workplace, laboratories, breakout zones and circulation.
A key feature of the architecture is the solar shading strategy. It uses a systemised approach to the support structure and modularity of the shading elements to allow for an optimised shading strategy for each bay by adjusting angle, depth, density and coverage of the elements. This means the system provides optimum daylight and visual comfort, views and transparency while being specific to the orientation, and overshadowing of each facade.
The materiality of the facade is a key focus and will integrate ceramic materials with the glazing and exposed structural elements. This will continue into the landscape and the operability and openness of the facade and building form are intended to invite the public realm into the building, creating a permeable zone of the building. With a strong hierarchy of building forms and components, the facade forms a central part of the architectural language, environmental performance and operation of the project.
© Eckersley O’Callaghan 2025
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