The Peter Doherty Institute
The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity is an unincorporated joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital. It combines research, teaching, public health, reference laboratory and diagnostic services, as well as clinical care in infectious diseases and immunity.
The state-of-the-art biomedical institute accommodates around 700 expert scientists, researchers, clinicians, academics, staff and students. It spans 14 levels and provides 26,000 m2 of space, including specialised laboratories, integrated teaching facilities, a 200-seat auditorium, office and support areas, and a substantial bike storage area.
Laboratory finishes and fixtures were custom-designed, manufactured and installed to meet strict laboratory compliance codes. Laboratory equipment was purpose-designed, and manufactured and imported from six countries.
An electron microscope room required shielding and vibration isolation protection to ensure the microscope captures high-quality, clear images.
Applying sustainability principles was an essential design requirement for The Peter Doherty Institute. The building achieved a 5-Star Green Star – Education Design v1 rating for its unique facade, grey water recycling, co-generation system and dedicated on-site waste decontamination system.
The Doherty’s co-generation system and highly-efficient thermal building envelope combined will achieve a 50.2% reduction in energy consumption when compared to standard industry practice.
Climate control is critical to the successful operation of the facilities at The Peter Doherty Institute, with warm rooms, cool rooms and freezer rooms critical to medical research. HVAC systems ensure that the building’s temperature and humidity levels are closely managed.