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The Sustainability and Health Training Precinct (J Block) project involved the substantial refurbishment and extension of an existing building in the Cairns Campus of the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE (TNQIT).

The overall design intent for the project has been to remodel and recycle the existing J Block buildings and surrounding area to provide a high quality learning and work environment for TAFE staff and students within a built form that demonstrates ecological sustainable design principles in a tropical context.

The building has been designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Educational Tool Rating; the first in tropical Australia. The project includes new offices for TNQIT’s executive team, a space for international student services, computer labs, nursing training wards and classrooms, two flexible learning spaces and a green room providing information about sustainability initiatives.

The building also includes a network of covered walkways and an outdoor learning area. Education as the ‘gateway to the future’ has become the defining character of the building. Our goal through this building is to define educational connectivity to the ‘global learning’ paradigm by imbuing Cairns TAFE with a contemporary edge, a sense of openness and creating spaces that are augmented by the advent of communication strategies.

Photography: Andrew Watson

TAFE Cairns
TAFE Cairns
TAFE Cairns
TAFE Cairns
TAFE Cairns
TAFE Cairns

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TAFE Cairns

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About Us

TPG Architects' directors have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. With numerous projects in North Queensland, from the Whitsundays to PNG, we have extensive experience in sustainable commercial, community, educational, residential and resort developments.

Our ongoing commitment to understanding our clients' requirements is reinforced by the pragmatic commercial and design skills we bring to the project, with a thorough knowledge of the construction realities of building in the tropics. This is reflected in the practice's numerous repeat clients that we have been able to assist to successfully deliver award winning projects.

With over 25 regional, state and  national architectural awards, TPG Architects and our directors are  the most highly commended practice in  the region.

Quality Management
TPG Architects’ quality management system conforms to ISO 9001:2015 / AS/NZS 9001:2016. Our third-party accreditation reflects TPG Architects’ commitment to best practice in the architectural profession and delivering the best quality service for our clients.