University of Melbourne

The Dunart is Australia’s rarest marsupial and the research program instigated through the Zoology Department investigates the habitat and environmental conditions required to preserve the remaining stock.

To do this work the Zoology Department required a secure, controlled environment to facilitate breeding and to better understand the marsupial’s needs.

The completed facility of approx. 100 sq. metres contains controlled environment caging rooms for adults and juveniles, laboratory work room and stores.

Construction on the roof of the building presented a range of challenges inclusive of careful selection of structural support points, preservation of existing building services as well as constructability issues.