Queensland Fertility Group IVF Laboratory
World class laboratory design for Queensland’s leading IVF and Fertility Specialists
Case Study
Queensland Fertility Group’s new flagship laboratory supports scientists in creating families. This world class IVF laboratory design supports the highly technical work of scientists and embryologists.
Queensland Fertility Group’s (QFG) new IVF laboratory sets a new benchmark in laboratory excellence, patient treatment and staff well being.
For Queensland Fertility Group, it was essential that their new laboratory provided their patients with world class fertility treatment. 8i Architects was engaged by Queensland Fertility Group to design new embryology and andrology laboratories incorporating Virtus Health’s One Lab design principles. The One Lab design principles combine internationally published outcomes in IVF Laboratory design, Virtus’s research and design expertise from 8i Architects.
The facility is owned by Virtus Health – a global leader of assisted reproductive services, day surgeries and reproductive genetics. The design of the facility reflects Virtus’s position as a leader in the field.
In creating a world class healthcare facility, the design has carefully considered the patient’s journey and is supportive of the staff’s health and well-being. For this reason, Queensland Fertility Group engaged 8i Architects, specialists in IVF healthcare design, laboratory processes and environments and patient focussed clinics.
Facilities of this kind are highly sensitive to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – chemicals commonly found in building products. 8i Architects was incredibly careful to keep VOCs low in our design. All products were meticulously researched and regularly tested on site prior to installation. This significantly reduce the time required to off-gas the laboratory, enabling setup and operations to start earlier than expected.
There are extensive technical conditions, specific workflow requirements, equipment and building material knowledge requirements needed to deliver an IVF facility. 8i Architects has passionately remained at the forefront of the latest international research on IVF facilities and technologies since delivering our first IVF Laboratory in 2011. Our team regularly meets with the IVF industry’s top experts and attends national and international fertility conferences to continue to expand on our knowledge.
Our Director, Charmaine Kai, is the only registered architect in Australia who is a member of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE).
Charmaine has for many years been working with some of the most published and internationally renowned scientists and physicians in reproductive biology and medicine.
8i Architects was very pleased to deliver Queensland Fertility Groups’ flagship IVF laboratory. It marks a welcome design-first for fertility laboratories in Queensland.
Scientists benefit from the exteral outlook and filtered natural light in the laboratory.
Visual connection between laboratory spaces supports communication between the scientists.
Embryologist’s workflow and safety is critical in the design of the laboratory.
The IVF Laboratory incorporates state-of-the-art time lapse incubators.
Liquid nitrogen storage tanks are constantly monitored
“Our healthcare design processes always begin by understanding our clients and patients needs.”
Charmaine Kai
IVF and Healthcare Specialist – 8i Architects
Creating a state-of-the-art IVF Laboratory with embryologists and scientists in mind. A stunning outlook towards Brisbane’s CBD and Victoria Park creates a welcome vista for staff.
The Procedure Room for embryo transfers in warm pastel tones to calm patients.
Purpose designed IVF laboratories for world-class patient outcomes
A world class IVF Laboratory that combines the latest technology with human centric design. The laboratory was strategically positioned for staff to view Brisbane’s CBD and Victoria Park have access to natural light. Supporting staff wellbeing is critical as they undertake the highly technical IVF processes.
The IVF Laboratory incorporates state-of-the-art specialist embryology cribs.
The IVF Laboratory design incorporates Virtus’s One Lab design initiative.
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Case Study
Year
Sector
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Projects
Year
Sector
Queensland Fertility Group IVF Laboratory
- Name: Queensland Fertility Group IVF Laboratory
- Client: Queensland Fertility Group
- Builder: Shape Australia
- Category: Healthcare
Recognised as a shortlisted project in the 2025 INDE Asia Pacific design awards. 8i Architects was engaged by Queensland Fertility Group (QFG) to design a world class IVF Laboratory. QFG is owned by Virtus Health – the largest IVF provider in Australia and the top 5 in the world.
8i Architects had previously assisted in developing Virtus Health’s ‘One Lab’ design principles, which are based on the latest international research and aim to set a new benchmark in the delivery of assisted reproductive services. Elements of the ‘One Lab’ design have been applied to this project.
8i Architects was very pleased to deliver this flagship project for Queensland Fertility Group and Virtus Health.
Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital
- Name: Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital
- Client: Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital
- Builder: Shape Australia
- Category: Healthcare
8i Architects was engaged by Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital to design the new 970m2, 3 theatre Day Hospital incorporating best practice patient centred design and clinical workflow.
Located on the 8th floor of a purpose built healthcare building, the design deliberately capitalises on the panoramic city and parkland views in all patient areas.
The facility is owned by Virtus Health – a global leader of assisted reproductive services, day surgeries and reproductive genetics. The design of the facility reflects Virtus’s position as a leader in the field.
As a Day Hospital that is linked to Queensland Fertility Group, Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital provides services to fertility, IVF and gynaecological patients as well as other procedures.
A close working relationship was established with 8i Architects, the Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital team and Shape Australia builders to ensure the quality of the project aligned with client expectations.
8i Architects was very pleased to deliver this project for Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital and Virtus Health.
Oasis Fertility Centre, South Perth
- Name: Oasis Fertility Centre, South Perth
- Client: Dr Santanu "Sunny" Baruah
- Builder: Interite
- Category: Healthcare
Oasis Fertility Centre’s new South Perth fertility clinic (85m2) and world leading IVF laboratory (220m2) reflects the intimacy and warmth provided by the caring team in supporting families during their fertility journey.
The IVF laboratory is a combined Embryology and Andrology lab specifically designed to cater for:
– the scientist’s workflow and well-being,
– the latest Time-lapse Incubators, AI and Witnessing technology and equipment for better patient outcomes and security
– flexibility for future expansion including Pre-implantion Genetic Testing (PGT).
Oasis’s patient experience is improved by co-locating within Southbank Day Hospital in South Perth as patients attend the same facility throughout their consultation and treatment.
East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital
- Name: East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital
- Client: East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital (Virtus Health)
- Builder: Arete
- Category: Healthcare
This project supports patients who undergo fertility treatment and other day surgery procedures. A refurbishment of an existing Day Hospital within the health precinct of East Melbourne.
8i Architects was engaged by East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital to design the refurbishment of the Reception and Administration area and the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) of the hospital, owned by Virtus Health – the largest provider of assisted reproductive services in Australia and one of the top 5 in the world.
8i Architects had previously assisted Virtus Health-owned fertility clinic, Melbourne IVF over a number of years, which was based on the latest international research and aimed to set a new benchmark in the delivery of assisted reproductive services. As a Day Hospital that is linked to Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital provides services to fertility, IVF and gynaecological patients as well as other procedures.
This project was designed to be delivered over the Christmas closedown period to minimise disruptions to the Day Hospital operations. The CSSD upgrade was designed with quality and safety front of mind, meeting new infection control standards and the reception and administration offices were reimagined to create an open and welcoming space for patients and their families.
A close working relationship was established with the day hospital teams and builders to ensure the quality of the project, and meet the very tight timeframe set for completion.
8i Architects was very pleased to deliver this project for East Melbourne Specialist Day Hospital and Virtus Health.
Virtus Diagnostics Queensland
- Name: Virtus Diagnostics Queensland
- Client: Virtus Diagnostics
- Builder: Shape Australia
- Category: Healthcare
This new 1,025m2 Diagnostic Laboratory for Virtus Health Specialist Diagnostics provides a complete range of pathology services and genetic testing to complement the fertility services provided by Virtus Health.
As part of the largest Assisted Reproductive Services providers in Australia, Virtus Genetics provide patients with access to not only leading genetic testing but also a wide range of fertility expertise and resources.
IVF Clinics that sit within the Virtus Health umbrella in Australia include IVF Australia, Melbourne IVF, Queensland Fertility Group, and Tas IVF.
This project improves the workflow of the endocrinology, cytogenetics and microarray laboratories to increase the quality of diagnostic outcomes for patients.
Queensland Fertility Group IVF Clinic
- Name: Queensland Fertility Group IVF Clinic
- Client: Queensland Fertility Group
- Builder: Shape Australia
- Category: Healthcare
This IVF Clinic in Spring Hill caters for the increasing need for fertility specialists and IVF treatment in Brisbane.
The 1100m2 clinic has personalised consultation rooms for some of Australia’s leading fertility specialists, pathology, andrology and scanning support services.
The Fertility Centre, Nepean (NSW)
- Name: The Fertility Centre, Nepean (NSW)
- Client: IVF Australia
- Builder: Cornerstone Healthcare Properties
- Category: Healthcare
A purpose designed IVF Lab and Clinic for The Fertility Centre which is part of IVF Australia.
A state of the art IVF facility encompasses world’s best research and practice by Virtus Health while providing affordable fertility treatment.
The design is the collaborative result of 8i Architects working with internationally recognised IVF Scientists Professor David Gardner, Dr Petra Wale and Dr Simon Cooke.
North Shore Medical Centre (Townsville)
- Name: North Shore Medical Centre (Townsville)
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: McDonald Constructions
- Category: Healthcare
Located on a 6,660m2 corner site, North Shore Medical Centre (2,131m2) was designed as a 2 stage healthcare precinct.
Stage 1 was 1155m2 building that included 520m2 North Shore General Practice, dental practice, physiotherapy, pathology and allied health.
Stage 2 was a 976m2 building that contained radiology, allied health and a specialist vet practice.
The staging of precinct allowed Stage 1 to be occupied and fully operational while Stage 2 building works commenced. The design was deliberately strategic so that was minimal disruption to the tenancies operating in Stage 1 while Stage 2 was being built. This assisted our client to confidently invest in a medical facility in a growing regional suburb.
North Lakes Day Hospital
- Name: North Lakes Day Hospital
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Construction
- Category: Healthcare
Margate Medical Centre
- Name: Margate Medical Centre
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Construction
- Category: Healthcare
Margate Medical Centre is a medical centre that consists of a new purpose built medical centre (600m2) and a refurbishment of an existing showroom into a purpose built radiology facility (620m2).
Located on a 3235m2 site with 3 street frontages, the 1,220m2 medical centre contains a radiology facility, pathology, dental and Medicare.
Lakelands Medical Centre
- Name: Lakelands Medical Centre
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Constructions
- Category: Healthcare
Located on a 4644m2 corner site, Lakelands Medical Centre is a 1600m2 healthcare facility designed for a 12 consulting room general practice, pharmacy, radiology, pathology, dental, audiology and allied health tenancies.
As part of a medical precinct linked to North Lakes Day Hospital, this project is a great example of complementary healthcare hub that caters for a variety of healthcare needs.
Lakelands Medical Practice
- Name: Lakelands Medical Practice
- Client: Chatham Property Projects
- Builder: Ray White Construction
- Category: Healthcare
Located within Lakelands Medical Centre, this 12 consulting room general practice was part of an expansion and relocation of a long established local practice. The existing practice was a small 4 consulting facility located in an nearby suburb.
The client was initally apprehensive about building a practice that was significantly larger than their existing tenancy. By creating a new modern facility with a dedicated treatment area and procedure room, the client was able to attract 8 new doctors to join the practice within 12 months of opening. Instead of recruitment, many of the new doctors contacted the practice directly requesting to join the practice based on the design of the facility.
The ongoing success of the practice was such that Australia’s largest operator of medical centres acquired the practice a few years after opening.
This is a great case study of how good healthcare design can support signficant business growth of a general practice.
