Bindal and Wulgurukaba
Queensland
North Queensland
The James Cook University (JCU) Engineering & Innovation Place (EIP) is a significant and transformative building for the JCU Townsville campus – and establishes a new benchmark for sustainability and resilient building in the tropics.
Integrating STEM and allied disciplines, the EIP fosters collaboration and innovation tailored to the unique qualities of the Townsville region. The project incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a bespoke, innovative facade system utilising glulam timber (GLT) façade technology to enhance thermal performance and achieve unprecedented cyclone resilience
The EIP achieves a LEED Gold sustainability rating and will become the first WELL-registered building in the Tropics. The EIP represents a transformative step in campus evolution. Its design leverages advanced performative tools to respond authentically to the tropical climate, shaping a lasting identity for JCU. Positioned as a catalyst for future campus growth, the EIP underscores JCU’s commitment to sustainable, interdisciplinary innovation in education and research.
James Cook University Engineering and Innovation Place delivers a climate-responsive, finely crafted interior that enhances learning, collaboration, and community in the tropics. At its heart is a triple-height atrium anchored by a grand, tiered bleacher stair,serving as a social and pedagogical centrepiece that encourages informal gathering and exchange.
The interiors support active, hands-on learning through interconnected workshops, teaching, and breakout spaces that are open, visible, and adaptable. A restrained yet expressive material palette ofconcrete, zinc, and precisely detailed timber offers both robustness and warmth. Timber elements, including custom joinery and lining, provide tactile richness and a sense of intimacy, while reinforcing the building’s clarity and discipline.
Natural light is introduced in measured ways through a high-performance, cyclone-resilient glazing system and retractable blinds, supporting visual comfort and environmental control. The result is a series of interior spaces that are generous, resilient, and deeply connected to place—spaces that support both active learning and moments of quiet reflection within a cohesive architectural whole.
James Cook University (JCU) welcomes the completion of the Engineering & Innovation Place (EIP), a $92 million, state-of-the-art facility that represents a key milestone in realising the university’s masterplan vision for the Bebegu Yumba campus. Designed to advance STEM education and innovative pedagogy, the EIP integrates 23 cutting-edge laboratories, flexible teaching studios, industry engagement spaces, and workshops. It also stands as a landmark of tropical architecture, combining sustainability and functionality to reflect the region’s unique environment. The EIP strengthens JCU’s mission to create collaborative, future-focused spaces that inspire research, innovation, and transformative learning in North Queensland.
Richard Kirk, Design Architect
Jonathan Ward, Project Architect
Andrew Magub, Architect
Caryn Streeter, Architect
Catherine Liu, Graduate of Architecture
Charles Wright, Architect
Jon Larrazabal, Architect
George Stratford, Graduate of Architecture
Michael Croft, Graduate of Architecture
Andrew Costa, Graduate of Architecture
Sascha Beck-Harris, Graduate of Architecture
Fedor Medek, Architect
Kyle Chen, Graduate of Architecture
Francesca Sweetman, Graduate of Architecture
Lemuel Arellano, Graduate of Architecture
Alex Ward, Architect
Gergely Szabo, Graduate of Architecture
Courtney Albertini, Graduate of Architecture
Cathy Hua, Graduate of Architecture
Michael Martin, Graduate of Architecture
Alex Collins, Graduate of Architecture
Adelaide Hampson, Graduate of Architecture
Charles Wright Architect, Local Architect
i4 Architecture, Local Architect
Robert Bird Group, Structural, Civil & Traffic Engineer
WSP Group, Mechanical, Hydraulic & Vertical Transport Consultant
Introba, Electrical, Lighting & AV Consultant
Building Envelope Group, Facade Engineer
D Squared, ESD Consultant
Marshall Day, Acoustic & Vibration Consultant
McKenzie Group Consulting, Building Certifier & Access Consultant
Holmes Fire, Fire Engineer
Cetec, Hazardous Good Consultant
RPS, Landscape Architect
Dot Dash, Signage & Wayfinding
Urban Art Projects, Public Artwork