La Trobe, Bundoora

The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) is an iconic, world-class facility for molecular science, biotechnology, and nanotechnology research, teaching and learning. Located at the La Trobe University Melbourne campus, the building will form the centre of the Faculty of Science.

The LIMS facility has been designed by leading university architects Lyons. The building has a high level of transparency enabling users and visitors to view into the teaching and research spaces. Fulfilling the University’s aspirations of openness and creating an inspirational environment that promotes innovation and change, LIMS is a technically sophisticated facility which supports a new way of teaching and provides an innovative research environment.

Heritage Glass was responsible for the design and construct of the sunshades located in on the east and west face of the building. The sunshades were designed by Heritage Glass and due to time constraints were constructed overseas where they were folded to shape and powder coated Measuring approximately 2.5m wide, protruding 700-800mm and approximately 15mm thick, the aluminum sunshades were installed onsite by Heritage Glass.

Access to the external building was an issue due to the height of the 6 storey building but was overcome by Heritage Glass by using a 120ft boom to caulk the sunshades.