The new RSPCA Animal Care Campus at Glenthorne Farm, O’Halloran Hill, Adelaide, is a landmark development that redefines the standard for animal welfare design in Australia. Reflecting RSPCA’s commitment to world leading standards of care, education, and community connection, the facility combines advanced functionality with a warm, inclusive aesthetic that invites visitors to connect with its mission of compassion and care.

Designed as both a state-of-the-art animal care and rehabilitation centre and a vibrant community hub, the campus brings together a wide range of programs including fostering and adoption, training and education, volunteer support, and public engagement. Purpose designed areas include a dedicated Australian Native Wildlife Care facility, general animal arrivals and veterinary clinic, consolidated state administration offices, community education spaces, retail and adoption zones, and specialist accommodation for dogs, cats, and small animals.

Technical Execution 

Lighting design played a central role in shaping the user experience, delivering environments that balance visual comfort, operational efficiency, and animal wellbeing. A cohesive strategy was developed to complement the architectural intent while addressing the distinct requirements of each zone. A layered approach combines downlights, linear extrusions, track, spotlight, and wall mounted fittings to enhance spatial features, support key activities, and create softer, calming atmospheres in areas such as adoption and recovery rooms. Outdoor spaces feature carefully selected street and area lighting that ensures safety and wayfinding while maintaining visual harmony with the natural landscape.

Emergency and exit lighting solutions are seamlessly integrated throughout, providing essential safety and compliance without compromising design integrity. Energy-efficient luminaires and intelligent control systems deliver reliable illumination and optimise energy performance, maintaining the clean, contemporary aesthetic established across the campus.

Project Outcome

The result is a lighting scheme that is both technically sophisticated and emotionally engaging, enhancing comfort, functionality, and connection for animals, staff, and visitors alike. Through close collaboration between the project team, architects, and lighting designers, the RSPCA Animal Care Campus stands as a benchmark for modern, sustainable, and human centric design, where light not only enhances architecture but elevates the wellbeing of every occupant.

Project Credits

Ashley Halliday Architects 
WAX Design  
Lucid Consulting 
Cook Building 
Anthony Basheer Photography
RSPCA SA