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University of Tasmania – Student Centre

The Student Centre refurbishment is part of the Queens Walk Redevelopment at the University of Tasmania in Launceston. Known on campus as building ‘Y’, the 1970s building is a Philp Lighton Architects original. Building ‘Y’ was originally student accommodation, but it has been modified for student services. Our brief was to develop a front of house, student-focussed customer service environment with high connectivity; creating a space where staff work with the students and don’t sit behind a stereotypical reception counter. The solution pares back heavy masonry construction and creates a large open-plan space complete with service pods, student lounges and clever joinery in the same architectural language as the development. The indoor environment quality has been improved by a building management system, which controls natural ventilation and a hydronic heating system powered by a high efficiency, natural gas boiler. Signage for the building was designed by Philp Lighton Architects too and is based on the thinking triangle concept.

Architect

Philp Lighton Architects

Contractors

Hazell Bros

Consultants

Structural engineer – Alan Leake

Building surveyor – Greg Green

Quantity surveyor – Lee Deacey

Electrical consultant – Andrew Blackberry

Services consultant – John Nichols

Photographer

Anthony Dalgleish

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