The University of Tasmania’s restoration and redevelopment of the Forestry Building in Hobart has been named as one of the most forward-looking architectural projects in the world.
Currently undergoing adaptive reuse to become an inner-city learning centre, it’s been selected as a winner of the 2024 World Architecture Festival WAFX Prize in the Building Technology category, announced this month.
Winners have been selected for their demonstration of excellence in addressing the issues facing architecture, society and the planet more broadly.
The project is being led by architects Woods Bagot, the firm saying the building demonstrates cutting-edge design solutions in response to the issues of climate change and community resilience.
Once its rejuvenation is complete, Forestry will feature contemporary and accessible learning facilities including technology-equipped classrooms, reinstatement of Morris-Nunn and Associates’ living forest beneath its iconic heritage-listed dome, and welcoming public spaces that everyone can enjoy.
Professor Nicholas Farrelly, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Campus Life (South) said the award was recognition of the sustainability agenda being progressed by the University.
“The University is delighted the Forestry redevelopment has been recognised on the world stage for its advances in building technology which will support the sustainable future we are working to create as the number one university in the world for climate action,” Professor Farrelly said.
“The Forestry building will be an important hub of learning and research for greater Hobart and we look forward to welcoming students, staff and the community to this special place in 2026 for a truly world-class higher education experience.”
The reimagined design is inspired by the work of Robert Morris-Nunn who designed the building’s original restoration in the 1990s; a leading adaptive reuse development of its time.
It places a strong emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy with all existing structures retained, honouring its heritage.
Materials recovered on-site are being repurposed in the redevelopment, while non-traditional, low-carbon materials have been prioritised including in the building framework which comprises large beams of mass timber.
New building materials include hempcrete, a carbon-negative construction material that has been locally sourced while carpets selected to adorn the building’s floors will be created from recycled content that is recyclable at its end of life.
“In designing this campus, we’ve considered how it will endure and evolve over time to respond to the ever-changing landscape of learning and teaching spaces,” said Woods Bagot Director Bruno Mendes, who leads the project.
“To cater for this, we have created a large, free-spanning waffle timber structure to allow for spaces to flex and adapt. Partitions can be removed and modular furniture systems can be reconfigured to meet changing needs and ensure the building’s ongoing relevance and adaptability.”
Robert Morris-Nunn said this global award recognition brought new attention to the opportunities available when repurposing buildings while also celebrating an inherent part of Tasmania’s culture.
“Recycled architecture can again be reinterpreted and given a new function such as a teaching facility and the University is taking this to a new and innovative level in a way that enriches the city,” Robert said.
“Tasmania has traditionally demonstrated a skill in preserving its heritage by giving it new life and making it viable into the future. Preserving the dome I was responsible for, and reinstating the living forest underneath, is symbolic. It's that whole idea of what engages people and what things are meaningful in a profound way to them.”
Construction firm Hansen Yuncken has partnered with the University to realise the project, actively embracing the challenges that come with innovation and reuse, and drawing on its expertise to deliver the progressive building technologies employed by the award-winning design.
The Forestry building is also a finalist in the Education category in this year’s World Architecture Festival Awards which will be held in Singapore from 6-8 November 2024, where winners will be announced.
Artist's impressions of the Forestry Building by Era-co featuring the heritage dome (originally designed by Morris-Nunn & Associates) and the renovated interior.
