Flinders University’s newest building and its builders, Mossop Constructions, have received a national award from the Master Builders’ Association.

The Health Sciences Lecture Theatre Complex was recognised in the MBA’s 2010 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards, receiving the National Public Buildings Award in the $5 million to $10 million category. Major funding for the project came from a Federal Government grant, with additional funds contributed by the University.

Featuring a visually distinctive external screen of metal louvers, the three-storey building contains a 250-seat lecture theatre complex and eight tutorial spaces for the teaching of the University’s medical and health sciences courses.

“The building has proved itself to be a major asset to the University, enabling a very necessary expansion and upgrading of our teaching facilities to support our growing numbers of medical students and the increasing breadth of our health science programs,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Barber.

Mossop Constructions, working to a design by architects Grieve Gillett, constructed the building on a rocky, steeply sloping site adjacent to the Health Sciences Building over 13 months. The building applies green principles through shading of all glazing, the use of openable windows, economy cycle air conditioning and rainwater capture and reuse.

The MBA judges commended not only the quality of the build, but the importance of the role played by the contractor in managing a challenging site and in coordinating consultants and subcontractors to avoid extra costs and delays.

The building was officially opened by Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon in April this year.

Photograph: Grant Hancock