CONVERSION OF A HERITAGE LISTED INDUSTRIAL BUILDING – UTAS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The School of Architecture and Design at the University of Tasmania relocated at the beginning of 2007 to a converted 1950s heritage listed industrial building near the centre of Launceston. This conversion offered many opportunities, but it also presented many design challenges; particularly in relation to the provision of thermal comfort within a large highly glazed uninsulated volume. Preliminary data after a year of operation indicates the building is meeting energy and water targets. Reflective feedback from users, architects, engineers and builders provides insight into the successes and shortcomings of the building and the lessons learned.