As Australia’s largest research greenhouse, the Plant Accelerator (TPA) plays a fundamental role in crop research and plant phenomics across the globe. Designed in collaboration with Phillips/Pilkington Architects, TPA is located at the University of Adelaide’s renowned Waite Research Precinct, the largest agricultural research, education and commercialisation precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.
Housing Australia’s first automated high-throughput phenotyping system, the TPA is able to process 160,000 plants a year, by providing automated facilities for high-volume plant growth and analysis.
Designed over two levels, the 4,500 square metre facility includes an upper greenhouse level for plant growth with automated plant imaging stations, and a lower support area housing plant growth chambers, potting, germination and research laboratories, and administrative offices.
Over a decade since commencing operations, The Plant Accelerator (TPA) continues to be a world-leading infrastructure facility, attracting researchers from across the globe.
The TPA was awarded the Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture Award by the South Australian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architecture.
Project photography by David Sievers.