UTAS School of Architecture

Project scope

8 Invermay Rd, Launceston TAS 7250

Engaged by Xsquared Architects in association with BVN, COVA delivered all Building Services for the revitalisation of the former 1951 Diesel Workshop for the University of Tasmania.

New flexible, dynamic and technologically sophisticated teaching spaces have been created in a way that is respectful of the heritage-listed fabric and vast open spaces of the original building. New windows and operable walls open the building to the public realm and allow student ‘Learning through Making’ activities to be on constant display. 

Open, flexible teaching spaces are intermixed with enclosed technical and academic workplaces. Open spaces support collaboration between students and academics from different disciplines, with spatial divisions subtly defined by changes in materiality, such as the 40m curtain that divides the ground floor studio.

Prior to intervention the building was cold, hot, or noisy depending on environmental conditions. The new development includes a completely new mechanical system that works in tandem with increased spatial openness to achieve thermal comfor appropriate for each of the uses. 

A detailed sustainability analysis indicates that revitalisation represents a 63% reduction in carbon emissions compared with newbuild and strongly supports the sustainability case for the refurbishment of existing buildings.