Both projects involved extensive collaboration with the clients, Southern Health and the Department of Human Services, to embrace the new Model of Care and create a positive therapeutic environment.

In Cheah’s words the team sought to achieve “a human-centric approach”.

The resulting architecture is a mix of lucid planning and quiet innovation. Natural daylight and garden views allow patients to remain connected with the world beyond the fast track Emergency Department and staff to easily navigate treatment zones organized by care requirements. The building is clad in a skin of glass-reinforced concrete slats of varying profiles – these change the opacity of the skin, controlling daylight, privacy and views.

The purpose-built Mental Health Facilities, the largest in Victoria with 120 beds, provide a non-institutional design centred on crafted, human-scaled spaces with direct access to landscape and nature.

The project consists of 38 pavilions arranged to create 16 landscaped courtyards. The layering of gardens, walkways and glazed corridors draws light and greenery into the buildings.

The pavilions are framed and clad in timber – blackbutt is used for all external exposed structure and cladding. It was selected as a material that could provide warmth, tactility and comfort, at the same time being durable and low maintenance, and would age gracefully.

The cladding explores the craft and materiality of timber framing and cladding – a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional timber craft methods –  shiplap, tongue and groove, board and batten, open slats.

The architecture integrates seamlessly with the context of the natural landscape both within and without the buildings.

In association with Irwin Alsop Architects

Visit Bates Smart to learn more about Dandenong Hospital Stage 3 Redevelopment Mental Health Facilities

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Julian Anderson says “The building’s scale, form and materials respond to the surrounding context and reinforce the unique character of Sydney Olympic Park.  

"The use of timber in the facade complements the tree lined boulevards of Homebush and acts as a counterpoint to the slick glass facade deployed around the rest of the buildings.

“Balconies take advantage of the views and mixed mode spaces contribute towards the Australian 5 Star Green Star and NABERS 5.0 ratings that the building is designed to achieve.

"Timber louvers protect these spaces from the afternoon and morning sun and add a tactile dimension to the space.”

Section 75W planning approval has been achieved and design development will commence shortly.

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