Covet Terrazzo at the heart of Herston BioFabrication Institute Fit-Out
Herston Biofabrication Institute is a world-class research and learning centre advancing the progress of biofabrication in the Southern Hemisphere. The first facility of this kind in Australia, the multidisciplinary Institute was opened in 2020 by Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and is already making great strides in 3D scanning, modelling and printing of medical devices, bone and human tissue.
Alongside a suite of partners, Hassell was engaged to carry out a refit of Level 12 at Block 7 of the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital to give the Institute a new state-of-the-art home, combining cutting edge technology and organic flexibility. The inspiration for the new fit-out was the element at the heart of the facility's purpose: a human cell.
Having an old building with a high-tech laboratory and research facility was a big challenge because we were dealing with a fairly basic building structure, and within it, we were creating something unique, contemporary and cutting edge," Carolyn Solley, Principal at Hassell, explains. But creating a sophisticated and flexible environment to enable work, research, learning and innovation within a basic structural set-up wasn't the only challenge. The space needed to be inviting, pleasant and domestic in its visual expression to ensure that the patients, employees, and students could feel as comfortable and at ease as possible. "The Institute is working on a new type of skin to assist burns patients, alongside the use of virtual reality to assist with pain management," Carolyn says. "We wanted to create a comforting space for patients who may have been through traumatic experiences." And because of the character of the facility, it was crucial to incorporate resilient products and materials. "When you're dealing with 3D printed material - which can be polymer, metal, tissue, etc. - you need something highly durable, robust, and hygienic
We wanted to create a comforting space for patients who may have been through traumatic experiences.
The Solution
Covet's Terrazzo tiles enabled Hassell to achieve all of those desired outcomes. Inspired by the hospital building's original terrazzo features, Covet's products fused the practical appeal of durability, low maintenance and hygiene with an aesthetic that helped bring Hassell's design vision to life.
"The Covet Acier LMP Terrazzo perfectly represents human cells under a microscope with the sort of pink, fleshy tones we used. Alongside the tiles in Alabaster LMPB, Covet Terrazzo reinforced the neutrality of patient care and made sure that there's comfort and ease in every part of the fit-out," Carolyn explains the appeal of Covet's Terrazzo tiles.
The two neutral tones of the terrazzo visually frame the space and create a striking visual effect as they are reflected in the Institute's mirrored ceilings, all the while perfectly reinforcing the comforting, healing and regenerative character of this indispensable institution.
The Covet Acier LMP terrazzo perfectly represents human cells under a microscope with pink, fleshy tones
Want to see the real thing?
Location
Level 12, Block 7
Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital
Butterfield St
Herston QLD 4029
Terrazzo Palette
Acier LMP (Spring Blossoms Series) & Alabaster LMPB (Coveted Series)
Tile Size
400x400 & 400x600
Photography: David Chatfield & courtesy of Formula Interiors
