UNSW high achiever

The UNSW Health Translation Hub (HTH) building was designed around three connected ambitions: a healthy building, healthy occupants and a healthy mission.

The 35,600 sqm facility was developed by UNSW Sydney and Plenary and forms a cornerstone of the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct. Its purpose is to bring together researchers, clinicians, educators, students, industry partners and the community to accelerate the translation of research and education into better health outcomes.

The building uses a 100 per cent outside air HVAC system with a perimeter zone conditioning approach, and counterflow chillers sized for standalone building performance. According to UNSW, scaling the district chiller strategy for standalone use was one of the challenges during the project.

The facility also uses low-emission materials to support healthier indoor air quality, and the façade reduces the incidence of solar radiation by approximately 60 per cent while maintaining natural light and views.

The achievement of 6 Stars under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Buildings ratings represents “World Leadership” in sustainable building design and construction.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the achievement reflected the University’s commitment to creating infrastructure that supports both people and the planet. 

“The UNSW Health Translation Hub is a healthy building in every sense,” says Prof. Brungs.

“It is designed to reduce its environmental impact, support the wellbeing of its occupants and help deliver healthier futures for communities.”

The facility is fully electric and powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity. It includes a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic system, rainwater harvesting and a non-potable water network.

Plenary CEO Paul Crowe says the project demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between the university, developer, builder, designers and investment partners.

“The building sets a new benchmark for sustainable health and education infrastructure while creating an environment that supports innovation, collaboration and community wellbeing,” he says.

UNSW now occupies approximately two-thirds of the building under an initial 20-year commitment, after the building officially opened in November 2025. The project was also delivered under a sale and leaseback model, which the university says enabled the performance uplift from a 5 Star Green Star equivalence to a 6 Star Green Star target.

Images courtesy of UNSW.

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