The University of Tasmania (UTAS) continues to redefine education and community connection with The Shed, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as the new home for health, medicine, and science education at its Inveresk Precinct in Launceston. Designed by Wardle Studio and constructed by local firm Fairbrother Constructions, The Shed is a landmark addition to the $304 million Northern Transformation Program.
Combining contemporary design with industrial heritage, The Shed embodies accessibility, sustainability, and innovation, further cementing UTAS’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire learning, research, and community engagement.
A Vision Rooted in Connection and Legacy
The Shed is far more than an educational building—it’s a navigational marker, a gateway to the Inveresk Precinct, and a bridge between the city of Launceston and the university’s campus. Positioned at the precinct’s southern edge, its elongated twin-shed design reflects the proportions of the railway sheds that historically occupied the site.
Inside, a courtyard-like atrium connects the two sheds, fostering collaboration and creating an open, lively interior. A boldly rendered pathway runs through the building, supporting wayfinding and uniting spaces to encourage a sense of community.
Wardle Studio explains: “The Shed reflects the principles of the development of Inveresk as a shared precinct, accessible and open for all.”
A Sustainable Benchmark
At the heart of The Shed is a commitment to sustainability. Featuring 35 percent less embodied carbon than similar projects, the building sets nation-leading benchmarks in low-carbon construction, aligning with UTAS’s globally recognised environmental goals.
Key sustainability features include:
- Use of Tasmanian structural timber and recyclable materials.
- Energy-efficient building services.
- Finishes that prioritise circular economy principles.
- Rigorous life-cycle assessments targeting carbon reductions across structure, envelope, and furniture.
The ARAMAX® Aluminium roofing and cladding supplied by Fielders also played a critical role in achieving these goals, minimising material waste and contributing to the building’s environmentally responsible design.
ARAMAX®: A Key to Innovation
Fielders’ ARAMAX® Aluminium was instrumental in achieving The Shed’s The Shed’s striking appearance owes much to Fielders’ ARAMAX® Aluminium, with 3,470 m² of roofing and 2,035 m² of perforated façade cladding. The bold, all-encompassing roof flows seamlessly into the façade, departing from the uniformity of its industrial neighbours to create apertures that open to reveal dynamic and inclusive interiors.
ARAMAX® offered The Shed’s design team several distinct advantages:
- Clear spans of up to 20 metres, reducing the need for secondary structural elements.
- Custom rollforming, which allowed the material to accommodate the elongated shed design and unique curved elements.
- Cost and time efficiency, cutting construction time and minimising material waste.
- Durability and sustainability, with recyclable aluminium that supports long-term environmental goals.
The perforated cladding also enhances the design by filtering light into interior spaces, creating a dynamic interplay of shadow and openness while maintaining thermal comfort.
The New Home for Health and Science
The Shed accommodates 160 staff and 1,500 students, providing cutting-edge facilities for a range of disciplines, including:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Biomedical Sciences
- Allied Health courses in Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, and Occupational Therapy
By centralising health and science education in an inspiring, purpose-built facility, The Shed supports interdisciplinary collaboration and promotes innovation in teaching and research.
Industrial Design Meets Community Impact
The Shed not only serves as a modern educational space but also celebrates its industrial heritage. Robust materials, including ARAMAX® Aluminium and structural timber, honour the site’s history while pointing toward a low-carbon future. This thoughtful integration of design, function, and sustainability ensures The Shed meets the needs of its users while contributing to the broader Launceston community.
“The Shed consciously celebrates the endeavour of its inhabitants while establishing continuity with its context. It foregrounds environmental responsibility and expands the repertoire of industrial building types,” notes Wardle Studio.
Creating a Place for the Future
The Shed is more than a building—it’s a symbol of UTAS’s commitment to its students, its community, and its environment. It represents a seamless integration of design innovation, sustainability, and educational excellence, setting a benchmark for future developments in Australia and beyond.
Fielders is proud to have contributed to this transformative project, continuing its legacy established with River’s Edge, the first building in the Inveresk Precinct to feature ARAMAX® Aluminium. Together, these structures redefine what educational spaces can achieve, combining beauty, function, and environmental stewardship.