The University of Otago’s chemistry building has just reopened at the Mellor Laboratories after a $56 million redevelopment. The 45-year-old building — the oldest chemistry department in New Zealand — has been fully refurbished both inside and out. The university has built state-of-the-art laboratories on the Dunedin campus, designed by the team at Parker Warburton Team Architects in a joint venture with Lab-works Architecture.

The southern entry to the building atrium features an enormous new abstract art installation. Based on molecular structures and patterns, the 12.5-tonne steel screen signals the new gateway to the sciences precinct. Inside, the new atrium accesses the laboratory floors, and is the key link from north and south to all science departments in both the Mellor Laboratories and the Science II building adjacent.

The southern and northern entry lobbies feature Advance’s Shuttle modular entrance matting. From Advance Flooring's high-performance range of matting products, the square aluminium and carpet grid has a very modern and uniform appearance, and provides excellent shoe sole cleaning in all directions. By preventing as much dirt and moisture entering the building as possible, the science department is ensuring a cleaner and more dust-free laboratory environment, protecting the modern facilities and equipment within them.