![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/78b5/e8e4/4e88/a000/069d/newsletter/Portada.jpg?1383102639)
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Architects: Woods Bagot + RPA Architects
- Area: 4000 m²
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Manufacturers: Safteyline jalousie
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Facade, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/788f/e8e4/4ef4/c200/06d5/medium_jpg/4_40_1570_N27_printstd.jpg?1383102574)
Text description provided by the architects. Part of James Cook University (JCU), the Cairns Institute is a brand new tropical research centre with architecture by Woods Bagot and RPA Architects. The design reflects the beautiful, tropical landscape of far north Queensland while also providing a contemporary research and collaboration environment with the highest technological standards.
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Steel, Handrail](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/77c0/e8e4/4ee8/e100/070b/medium_jpg/4_40_1570_N4_printstd.jpg?1383102382)
Cradled on three sides by rain forested slopes, the site draws the tropical landscape into the heart of the campus, creating a stimulating environment for students and staff.
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/7811/e8e4/4ee8/e100/070d/newsletter/4_40_1570_N21_printstd.jpg?1383102457)
Intrinsic to the design proposition is the celebration and enrichment of the Institute’s rainforest backdrop. The facade is layered and evolutionary – the building form is informed by the surrounding landscape, the design goal of this project was to create a building that blurred into the landscape itself
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Windows, Fence, Facade, Garden](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/788f/e8e4/4e88/a000/069b/medium_jpg/4_40_1570_N29_printstd.jpg?1383102574)
An evolving landscape skin, a ‘trellis’, defines the building and encapsulates aesthetics and sun control, as well as a variety of micro climate ecologies around the building that are suited to their function and orientation.
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Cityscape](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/78a3/e8e4/4ef4/c200/06d6/newsletter/4_40_1570_N37_printstd.jpg?1383102619)
The design also assists in minimising running costs for JCU whilst contributing to the quality of environment, and is in line with the university’s aspiration to achieve a sustainable outcome for the building.
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Image 6 of 13](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/77bc/e8e4/4ef4/c200/06d2/medium_jpg/4_40_1570_N3_printstd.jpg?1383102380)
The design team, led by Woods Bagot Brisbane Principal Mark Damant, has created a building that represents its place and its context while employing innovative architectural elements.
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Image 7 of 13](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/77d0/e8e4/4ef4/c200/06d3/newsletter/4_40_1570_N8_printstd.jpg?1383102408)
“A truly imaginative and integrated design solution that was distinctive and uniquely desirable to JCU’s community was paramount,” said Mark. “Attracting the best researchers was a central aim of the university, so it was crucial to create an environment that optimised the working experience to a point where people would love engaging with the building.”
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Facade, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/7810/e8e4/4ef4/c200/06d4/medium_jpg/4_40_1570_N19_printstd.jpg?1383102443)
The Institute, which opened in July 2013, is a repository of regional knowledge and research capacity, perfectly positioned to make a significant contribution to the development of a sustainable quality of life for tropical communities.
![The Cairns Institute – James Cook University / Woods Bagot + RPA Architects - Image 11 of 13](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5270/78e0/e8e4/4e88/a000/069e/newsletter/WBRPA-AR-2201.jpg?1383102677)