Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology
In collaboration with Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, nettletontribe designed and delivered Stage 1 of the striking new laboratory building at Hurworth Street, Bowen Hills.
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology laboratory sits peacefully amongst weatherboard houses, brick units and small retailers through careful consideration of its urban context. Large roof overhangs, deep balconies and a textural contemporary brick façade contribute to the low scale character of the building.
Opportunities for growth and flexibility are facilitated by positioning the floorplates south on the site which allows future horizontal expansion to the north over a landscaped terrace. Elevations consider these future connections to complete the expansion and create new landscaped courtyard spaces between stages. Large deep floorplates support a unique matrix of scientific functions and accommodate advanced automated laboratory technology and delivery processes.


The plates are penetrated by an atrium which bathes the interior with light and reinforces the separation between laboratory and breakout spaces. The timber staircase showcases vertical movement and provides opportunities for interaction and moments of collaboration between staff on different floors.

The result is a user-friendly laboratory that defies the traditional ‛tight’ lab space. Instead, an emphasis on shared areas – flexible laboratories, lounge and meeting spaces – is integral to the facility’s collective design. A naturally lit atrium break-out area in the centre of the tower floor plate balances the intense and technical layout and provides some ‘loose’ space to facilitate meetings, relaxation and interaction. Critical to the design of the floor plate was flexibility.