James Cook University | Engineering and Innovation Place

The James Cook University Engineering and Innovation Place formed a hub for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) innovation and industry collaboration. The intent of the complex was to provide investment and support for local business, particularly through the avenues of STEM, big data and analytics, information technology and technology transformation.

Designed by Kirk, a large focus of the building was on open format offices and workspaces to promote collaboration and innovation between staff and students. The vision was to create a building that referenced a universal idea of innovation, by designing a shape that used simple structural elements and allowing the façade to be entirely transparent from within. The modern design featured a combination of cross-laminated timber and glulam and aimed to achieve a gold sustainability rating. Holmes was engaged in the project to provide a fire safety strategy that would allow the desired architectural layouts.

Our project team developed a holistic fire safety strategy, incorporating structural fire engineering required for this leading-edge STEM complex. We also undertook FDS modelling to analyse the potential effects fire could have on the current design and provide advice to the wider project team and client as required.