Hospitals

Flinders University’s new Health & Medical Research Building (HMRB) in Adelaide is an architectural landmark set to foster ground-breaking medical research. Designed by Architectus, this state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates cutting-edge research laboratories with collaborative workspaces & public areas, creating an environment that inspires innovation & accelerates the translation of research into real-world healthcare solutions.

For cancer patients, the degree of uncertainty in the treatment journey is profoundly stressful. A conscious empathy for this emotional and psychological challenge underlies the design approach Woods Bagot has embedded in the new Australian Bragg Centre, a ground-breaking clinical and research facility within Adelaide’s health and biomedical precinct.

The Stage One expansion and upgrade of Wonthaggi Hospital was opened in February 2023 and delivered 32 new inpatient beds and a new emergency department with 18 additional treatment spaces for the residents of Bass Coast Shire in Regional Victoria. Construction commenced during the peak of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. With more than 1,300 hospitals in Australia and around half a million staff, today’s architects and designers have an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on the health, wellbeing and life expectancy of people in Australia.

The new 30-bed mental health facility at Northern Hospital will provide more than 10,900 days of care, enabling 655 more residents to access vital mental health services. This project was delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Mental Health Beds Expansion Program, which will see $801 million go towards the delivery of 260 new public mental health beds across Victoria.

Due to their accessibility and proximity to growing populations, places like shopping malls, office buildings, and other commercial sites are increasingly being chosen as the best locations for new medical facilities. On such sites, if there is no access to sanitary plumbing or core drilling is not an option to accommodate new plumbing, an alternative solution is needed.

The unique requirements of hospitals and healthcare design require special consideration in regards to design and the products specified. The BCA classifies hospitals as Class 9a building, and contains Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions applicable for this type of construction. Specifying a solution that meets all of these requirements is a necessity not only for the day-to-day operation of the facility, but also for maintaining the reputation of the Architect, specifier or installer involved.

Infection control awareness in the design and construction community has significantly increased on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue is critical in healthcare facilities, where the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is high, and the impact on immunocompromised patients and healthcare workers can be severe.

To combat the spread of infection in healthcare facilities, emphasis has been placed on environmental cleaning, leading to the increased use of disinfectants and antimicrobial materials to help maintain sanitary indoor environments. However, in light of the rising threat of antimicrobial-resistant superbugs, designers must look beyond such products and consider how floors can contribute to healthier environments in the long term.

Dulux products are designed to meet the highest quality standards. Our team’s extensive knowledge allows them to provide valued support with specification writing and problem-solving for healthcare facilities.

Despite every precaution to prevent them occurring, accidents happen. The rapid pace of certain industries where risk is an inherent part of the everyday means that workers in roles based in factories; on mining and building sites; in the health, defence, energy and petrochemical industries; and first responders to emergencies are likely to encounter the unexpected in the course of their jobs.

When it comes to providing the best possible healthcare, being able to restrict and manage airflow to reduce the transfer of airborne pathogens is paramount. For this reason, hospitals, clinics, and specialty health facilities are complex buildings that must enable the highest hygiene standards possible, while remaining functional and aesthetically pleasing.