A hub for teaching and research of life sciences at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has secured a NSW architecture award.

 
The Australian Institute of Architecture’s Blacket Prize for regional architecture in 2013 was awarded to architect firm, BVN Donovan Hill for its National Life Sciences Hub (NaLSH) at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

 

During the 2013 NSW Architecture Awards held on Thursday 27 June in Sydney, the jury praised BVN Donovan Hill for creating ‘a model in planning, design and environmental performance for rural Australian campuses’.

 

Established in 1984, the Blacket Prize is for buildings in country NSW. It was named after architect Edmund Blacket (1817- 1883) who pioneered the revival styles of architecture, particularly Victorian Gothic.

Opened in September 2013, the National Life Sciences Hub is a centre for teaching and research in food security, plant and animal health. It includes a learning and teaching complex; a research complex; glasshouse and controlled environment facilities; quarantine approved research areas; and support facilities such as offices, plant rooms and bike storage.

 

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has granted the CSU complex a 5 Star Green Star - Education Design v1 certified rating for Australian Excellence. Read more on CSU News here. 

 

NaLSH also won a Master Builders Association NSW Excellence in Construction Award in 2012. Read more on CSU News here. 

 

NaLSH was funded with $34 million from the Australian Government’s Education Investment Fund and $14.6 million from CSU. Project director was Savills Project Management, design by BVN, and head building contractor Joss Construction.