People of kanamaluka
Tasmania
St.LukesHealth’s new Launceston headquarters is an expression of their vision for Tasmania to be “the healthiest island in the world”, and is the most sustainable and carbon positive office development in Tasmania.
The retained former industrial buildings attenuate the development to a pedestrian scale at street level. The existing structures are a statement regarding the fundamental importance of re-using what’s possible in any new project.
At the urban scale, the building is a simple form conducive to its unique mass timber construction system. A landscaped “outdoor room” to the upper levels connects to the broader landscape around Launceston.
At only half the carbon of a typical multi-story building, the building makes a significant reduction in construction related carbon emissions. Remarkably, the volume of timber utilised took less than 6 hours of time to grow the timber, if it were grown in an area equal to that of Tasmania’s managed forests.
This project represents a significant advancement in mass timber construction within Tasmania, showcasing the potential of cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT) in commercial architecture. The use of renewable and recyclable materials reflects the client’s strong commitment to innovation and wellbeing, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of the design approach.
A standout feature is the CLT floor on Level 7, manufactured by CUSP—a Tasmanian company pioneering the use of certified plantation hardwood CLT. By incorporating locally sourced eucalyptus nitens, the project reinforces the value of regional materials and industry leadership in sustainable construction.
Beyond its architectural success, the project has stimulated ongoing research by Terroir, contributing to broader discussions on environmentally responsible building practices. By recognising this achievement, the jury highlights the importance of innovation in commercial architecture and the viability of sustainable construction as Tasmania moves towards a carbon-positive future.
The jury commends St Lukes for its commitment to the reuse of the existing ground floor building, allowing the structure to be enjoyed by the public. The use of CLT flooring and curtain walling, the first of its scale in Tasmania, exemplifies the sustainable construction methodology, reducing construction waste through prefabrication. A landmark building for Launceston, the architecture celebrates the client’s goal to prioritise physical and mental wellbeing though elements like the landscaped “outdoor room” on the upper levels. St Lukes stands as an aspirational project for commercial development in Tasmania.
Scott Balmforth, Design Architect
Dave McPeak, Project Lead
Quinn Revell, Graduate of Architecture
Hamish Saul, Student
Commercial Project Delivery, Project Manager
Gandy & Roberts, Structural, Civil and Hydraulic Engineer
Timber Design Studio, Timber Designer
Engineering Solutions Tasmania, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer
WSP, Fire Engineer
Lee Tyers Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor
Integral Consulting Engineers, ESD Consultant
Noise Vibration Consulting, Acoustic Consultant
Studio Semaphore, Wayfinding
IND Engineering, Façade Engineer
Playstreet, Landscape Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
