The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) is a world-class research facility that accommodates up to 675 researchers, set in the heart of Adelaide’s new medical and health precinct west of the city. The built form of SAHMRI acknowledges its sense of place within the green belt of the Adelaide Park Lands. The architecture is lifted, opening the building to the public as well as to users, allowing for greater activation and porosity. The forecourt, adjacent to the new hospital, encourages interaction and exchange by staff, visitors and the general public. SAHMRI’s sculptural form is characterised by a striking transparent facade that unifies the organic diamond-shaped plan while showcasing the two atria inside the building. Inspired by the skin of a pine cone, the building’s unique triangulated dia-grid facade responds to its environment like a living organism, acting as an articulated sunshade that deals with sunlight, heat load, glare and wind deflection while maintaining views and daylight.