The St Lukes Building | TERROIR

The St Lukes Building | TERROIR | Photographer: Adam Gibson

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

The St Lukes Building | TERROIR

Traditional Land Owners

People of kanamaluka

Year
2025
Chapter

Tasmania

Category
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Architecture
Builder
Fairbrother
Photographer
Adam Gibson
Dave Groves
Media summary

St.LukesHealth鈥檚 new Launceston headquarters is an expression of their vision for Tasmania to be 鈥渢he healthiest island in the world鈥, 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鈥檚 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 鈥渙utdoor room鈥 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鈥檚 managed forests.

National Awards Received
National Architecture Awards Shortlist
2025
Tasmania Architecture Awards
Award For Commercial Architecture
Tasmania Jury Citation

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鈥檚 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鈥攁 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.

2025
Tasmania Architecture Awards #2
Commendation For Sustainable Architecture
Tasmania Jury Citation #2

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鈥檚 goal to prioritise physical and mental wellbeing though elements like the landscaped 鈥渙utdoor room鈥 on the upper levels. St Lukes stands as an aspirational project for commercial development in Tasmania.

Project Practice Team

Scott Balmforth, Design Architect
Dave McPeak, Project Lead
Quinn Revell, Graduate of Architecture
Hamish Saul, Student

Project Consultant and Construction Team

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, Fa莽ade Engineer
Playstreet, Landscape Consultant

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