© Sam Noonan
- Architects: Woods Bagot
- Location: Adelaide SA, Australia
- Design Team: Thomas Masullo, Milos Milutinovic, Nicholas Ng, Yeung Cheng
- Collaborative Partner: Tridente Architects
- Client: Renewal SA
- Area: 47000.0 m2
- Project Year: 2027
- Photographs: Sam Noonan
© Sam Noonan
Text description provided by the architects. Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods is the centrepiece of a globally recognised urban redevelopment in Adelaide. The Tonsley mixed-use redevelopment is Australia’s first to be awarded the 6 Star Green Star – Communities certification by the Green Building Council of Australia.
© Sam Noonan
Against the backdrop of Australia’s declining manufacturing economy, the site of the former Mitsubishi car factory has been transformed into a vibrant knowledge precinct supporting clean technologies, sustainable industries, advanced manufacturing, education, and research.
© Sam Noonan
The repurposing of the Main Assembly Building is the work of global architecture studio Woods Bagot, with Adelaide-based Tridente Architects. Since its completion in 2015 it has been recognised with national and international awards for sustainable architecture, urban renewal and adaptive re-use. The broader precinct has also just been honoured with the Property Council of Australia’s 2018 award for best development innovation.
© Sam Noonan
The building’s design foretold what a new industrial employment precinct could look like. The ‘umbrella’ of the existing structure celebrates the industrial heritage of the building, creates a unique public destination, and delivers a clear layout with a highly flexible work environment. The tenancies use a ‘pod’ approach that are adaptable, flexible and highly functional.
Concept plans – Tenancy sub divisions
“Rather than follow the typical industrial park approach, which would have had limited value to industry and the wider community, we chose to imagine a thriving community within the significant industrial remains of the Tonsley site,” said Milos Milutinovic, project leader for Woods Bagot.
© Sam Noonan
Sustainability was paramount – not only in environmentally sustainable design but also through the economic, social and cultural impact of the site’s regeneration. Being a sustainability leader was a key ambition in the redevelopment of the entire 61ha site masterplanned by Woods Bagot.
© Sam Noonan
Bringing together leading research and education institutions, established businesses and start-ups, as well as government and community groups, Tonsley will one day be home to around 1,200 residents in 850 dwellings. More than 70 businesses already operate from this technology test-bed.
Drawing 01
KEY SUSTAINABILITY FACTS – MAIN ASSEMBLY BUILDING
– The adaptive re-use saved 90,000 tons of embodied carbon, equivalent to 25,000 cars being taken off the road
– A 4 megawatt solar array on the roof produces affordable and sustainable energy for tenants
– Communications infrastructure provides connected technology as a basis for a Smart Grid Energy system
– Four urban forests inside the building provide naturally shaded green spaces, cool the air and reduce the sun’s thermal load on the roof
© Sam Noonan