Plant & Food Seafood Research Centre

Opened in 2017, the Seafood Research Centre for Plant & Food Research is a key outcome of a master planning process focused on consolidating seafood research activities into one site at Port Nelson. The building is now an anchor tenant of the Seafood Research Precinct.

The 2,300m² mass-timber structure provides a modern, flexible work environment for 50 staff in a series of focus and collaborative spaces. Natural light is drawn into the building through the two-storey glazed curtain wall and sky lights, and natural ventilation through louvers and high-level actuator-opened windows.

Bound on water by three sides, the building is aluminium clad to provide a robust and durable exterior in this harsh marine environment.

Due to the location on reclaimed land, foundations were provided on 15m long 375 octagonal reinforced concrete columns.

The main structure is locally sourced (less than 100km) mass timber featuring a high level of prefabricated timber elements, including Xlam timber shear walls, LVL cross columns for lateral bracing, Poitus LVL flooring and roof components.

Specialist science facilities include chemistry labs, PC2 Molecular labs, wet labs and a flow tank.

A high level of transparency through the building between the labs and office environments promotes interaction and connectivity between these spaces.