University of Queensland – Brain Institute

Overview

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at the University of Queensland is a dedicated neuroscience research facility, designed by John Wardle Architects and Wilson Architects working in association. Corian® Solid Surface was specified across three of the building’s most visible public spaces: the main ground floor lobby, the researchers’ meeting platform within the atrium, and the upper level interaction area. Together, these spaces shape how visitors, researchers and the wider university community experience the building, so a consistent material language across all three was central to the design intent.

The Brief

The architects set out to create a highly sculptural interior form that read as one continuous surface, flowing from wall cladding into fixed furniture without visual interruption. The material had to carry that seamless appearance across large wall areas and complex geometry, accommodate integrated equipment and upholstery, and stay durable and tactile in high-traffic public areas of an active research institute.

Material Specification

Corian® Glacier White in a matt finish was specified for feature joinery, fixed furniture and wall panelling throughout the three public spaces. Fabrication and installation were delivered by City Joiners Pty Ltd.

Design Outcome

The wall cladding was fabricated with inconspicuous joins, so each wall reads as a single continuous piece. The same approach carried through to the fixed furniture, creating a smooth transition from wall to furniture that reinforces the building’s sculptural form. In the researchers’ meeting platform, the Corian® wall panelling also allowed integrated drawers to be built directly into the wall surface. Equipment and upholstery were incorporated into the overall design without compromising the continuous appearance.

“A product that has a ‘wow’ factor, and has both client and visitors constantly guessing how such a seamless sculptural form has been achieved.”
— John Wardle Architects and Wilson Architects

Why It Works for Similar Projects

For education and research facilities, public lobbies and atrium spaces carry the identity of the institution while also handling constant daily use. Corian® Solid Surface lets architects pursue sculptural, continuous forms across walls and furniture, with joins that remain inconspicuous at scale. Because it is non-porous and renewable, surfaces can be cleaned easily and restored on site if marked or damaged, which helps protect the design intent over the life of the building. Its ability to integrate storage, equipment and upholstery directly into joinery gives designers flexibility in spaces where form and function must work together.

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