Australia’s first RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility, designed by HDR for Health Infrastructure in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist C Engineer, NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance, Hindmarsh Construction and industry partner and operator Aurora Biosynthetics, has officially opened within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct.
Backed by a $96 million NSW Government investment, the 4,500 square metre facility is now fully operational and represents a major step forward in translating Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) technologies into clinical-grade vaccines, therapies and diagnostics for viruses, cancers, genetic diseases and other health-related issues.
Purpose-built to support the pathway from discovery through to clinical readiness, the facility includes pDNA and mRNA production suites, lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, pilot-scale fill-and-finish capability, and integrated ǪA/ǪC laboratories. Designed to support TGA approval pathways and GMP-aligned operations, it strengthens NSW’s capability in next-generation medical technologies and accelerates first-in-human studies.
“The facility is designed to evolve alongside emerging scientific technologies, with rapid adaptability and carefully managed visibility into active spaces, maintaining the precision and containment requirements of RNA production,” said Ady Chen, Project Lead at HDR. “Our approach also grounds the building in its surrounding landscape, creating a humane and restorative environment that supports the wellbeing of the people who work here.”
HDR applied its Data-Driven Design (D3) approach and computational, generative workflows to test the facility against multiple future production scenarios, not just a single “day one” layout. The team stress-tested adjacencies, pressure cascades, people and material flows, and servicing demands across different RNA process trains, equipment footprints and compliance operating modes. The outcome is a flexible planning and services framework that can scale to additional production lines and adapt to changing workflows, utilities demand and regulatory expectations, while maintaining clear segregation and operational legibility.
Conceived as a high-precision pavilion within a grove of mature gum trees, the architectural response embeds scientific rigour within a person-centred, biophilic setting. “The building’s horizontal form is articulated with slender vertical elements that reference the surrounding forest and draw natural light deep into the interior,” said Alan Boswell, Design Lead at HDR. “This creates a calm, grounded environment for complex RNA science, and respects the cultural and ecological character of the site.”
Engagement with Macquarie University’s Walanga Muru and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy, as well as consultants Belanjee, informed both the architectural and landscape outcomes. Cultural narratives, Indigenous medicinal knowledge, and spaces for ceremony and reflection are integrated throughout the site.
“Landscape design draws on regional ecologies and material textures to enhance campus connections and create a multilayered garden environment that serves as a nurturing retreat for occupants,” said Boswell.
The façade comprises modules ranging from solid to transparent to balance privacy, solar control and connection to the surrounding landscape. Natural tones reference the local environment, with a recessed base giving the building a sense of lightness within the forest setting.
Sustainability informed key decisions, including passive design strategies, high-efficiency systems and all-electric services powered by renewables. The building targets at least a 10% reduction in operational energy use, a 15% reduction in potable water consumption through efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting, and a
20% reduction in embodied carbon. Biodiversity enhancements, strategic shading and light spill control support environmental performance and NSW Government emissions targets.
Graeme Spencer, Principal of Education and Science at HDR, said the facility sets a new benchmark for translating discovery into impact. “Purpose-built environments like this are critical to Australia’s ability to develop RNA-based therapeutics at speed. By bringing flexible pilot manufacturing together with collaborative research spaces, the facility strengthens sovereign capability and supports real-world health outcomes.”
The opening reinforces HDR’s leadership in science and technology architecture, building on major national projects including the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility at the Westmead Health Precinct, CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator. Ranked No. 1 in Science and Technology Architecture (BD+C), HDR brings deep expertise across health, research, education and science-led precincts, with clients including the University of Technology Sydney, The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Macquarie University and Western Sydney University.
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