An innovative approach to modular construction has seen Adelaide-based architects Das Studio awarded the tender to design Australia’s first industrial scale Factory of the Future at Line Zero.
The firm’s fresh thinking and adaptive approach the design saw them named the lead consultant on the manufacturing accelerator project, which is set to implement world leading technologies and processes in support of advanced manufacturing, including major defence projects in South Australia.
Based at the Tonsley Innovation District, stage one of the Factory of the Future will be a major research and training partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC), Cisco and the South Australian Government, offering unprecedented capability to test and evaluate potential applications of advanced technologies in support of maritime shipbuilding.
The Marshall Government is supporting the initiative with a $5 million commitment, matching Flinders University’s investment.
Professor John Spoehr, Flinders Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research Impact and Director of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute, says Das Studio was selected as the preferred architect to develop the Factory of the Future based on their track record of innovative designs, including modular construction processes.
“Das Studio’s industry leading design processes will help us develop world class research and development facilities at the Line Zero-Factory of the Future in a controlled environment which enables the trial of innovative manufacturing techniques, directly underpinning the growth of advanced manufacturing in Australia.”
“The architects have already demonstrated the benefits of adopting modular designs in modern construction practices, and these new methods align with our aim to push the boundaries of modern manufacturing and are a perfect example of intersection of new technologies across industry.”
“It’s incredibly fitting that our forward-looking Factory of the Future is embracing an emerging design concept and in turn helping to fuel the uptake of modular design, at scale, in South Australia and nationally”
“We look forward to working with the Das Studio team, led by Managing Director Dino Vrynios, on the design of this exciting facility embedded in the Tonsley Innovation District” Mr Spoehr says.
Mr Vrynios, who co-founded Das Studio, was last year recognised as one of 40 under 40 outstanding South Australian Business Leaders following his work on large scale projects across the education, tourism and commercial construction sectors valued at over $180m since 2018.
With an extensive design portfolio, Mr Vrynios will collaborate with WSP Australia and Services Engineers on the Factory of the Future under the guidance of Flinders University Strategic Projects Director Ivana Glavinic-May.
The pilot Line Zero site currently incorporates projects involving advanced robotics, augmented reality, Internet of Things and smart-work bench technologies that will ultimately be deployed in support of the Hunter Class Frigate Program, which will deliver nine anti-submarine warfare frigates to the Royal Australian Navy.