Australia has taken a significant step forward in strengthening next-generation medical technologies with the opening of the nation’s first dedicated RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility at the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct in Sydney.

Designed by HDR for NSW Health Infrastructure, the project was delivered in partnership with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer, NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance, Hindmarsh Construction and industry partner and operator Aurora Biosynthetics.

Funded through a $96-million investment from the NSW Government, the 4,500sqm facility has been developed to translate Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) technologies into clinical-grade vaccines, therapies and diagnostics targeting conditions ranging from infectious diseases and cancer to genetic disorders.

HDR_RNA_Research_and_Manufacturing_Facility 1.jpg — *Meeting rooms create a warm, collegiate interior where researchers can step out of the technical laboratory environment into soft spaces designed for exchange and decision-making*

Purpose-built to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical deployment, the facility houses pDNA and mRNA production suites, lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, pilot-scale fill-and-finish capability, and integrated QA/QC laboratories, with the infrastructure designed to align with TGA approval pathways and GMP-aligned operations.

“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,” says 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_RNA_Research_and_Manufacturing_Facility 2.jpg — *Generous daylight, clean planning and mobile laboratory infrastructure create a calm, adaptable research environment for mRNA, pDNA and LNP production*

To future-proof the facility, HDR employed its Data-Driven Design (D3) methodology, using computational modelling and generative design workflows to evaluate a range of potential production scenarios. 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 resulting framework allows the building to accommodate additional production lines and adapt to evolving regulatory, technological and operational requirements while maintaining strict separation between key functions.

Architecturally, the facility has been conceived as a low-profile structure integrated into its natural surroundings. Situated within a grove of mature gum trees, the design 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,” says 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.”

HDR_RNA_Research_and_Manufacturing_Facility 3.jpg — *Rooftop plant, gantries and screened equipment are carefully organised against the sky, balancing servicing intensity with a disciplined architectural profile*

Indigenous consultation played an important role in shaping both the building and landscape design. HDR worked with Macquarie University’s Walanga Muru, the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy, and consultants Belanjee to integrate Indigenous medical knowledge, cultural narratives and spaces for ceremony and reflection 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,” explains Boswell.

The building’s facade combines solid and transparent elements to balance privacy, daylight access and views to the surrounding landscape. The colour palette references the site's natural setting, while the recessed base helps minimise the visual impact of the building within the forest setting.

HDR_RNA_Research_and_Manufacturing_Facility 4.jpg — Set behind a glade of eucalypts, the facade’s vertical rhythm and tonal palette allow the RNA facility to sit quietly within Country, using shadow, light and restraint to reduce its presence in the landscape

Sustainability considerations are integrated throughout the project. The all-electric facility operates using renewable energy sources and incorporates passive design measures, energy-efficient systems and rainwater harvesting. Design targets include reductions in operational energy consumption, potable water use and embodied carbon, while biodiversity initiatives, shading strategies and light spill control contribute to broader environmental objectives and NSW Government emissions targets.

Observing that the facility sets a new benchmark for translating discovery into impact, Graeme Spencer, Principal of Education and Science at HDR, says, “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 project adds to HDR’s growing portfolio of science and technology facilities across Australia, including the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility at the Westmead Health Precinct, CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator.

Main image: The building presents a confident but recessive frontage, combining workplace transparency, landscape integration and the measured precision of specialist research facility beyond.

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