The Canberra Hospital Expansion represents the largest healthcare infrastructure initiative undertaken by the ACT Government to date. It is designed to address both current and future health needs in the Territory.

This landmark project, designed by BVN Architecture and built by Multiplex, features Australia’s first fully electric hospital building powered entirely by renewable energy. This innovative approach reduces approximately 1,886 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing 780 cars from Canberra’s roads each year.

The new facility, which spans eight levels and covers 45,000 metres, includes a state-of-the-art Emergency Department, an expanded Intensive Care Unit, and enhanced Perioperative Services.

Sustainability was a central theme throughout the project, with the Multiplex team utilising electrified cranes, sourcing a locally made low-carbon concrete mix, and repurposing or salvaging 96% of materials from the previous building's demolition. BVN principal Julian Ashton said the major expansion of Canberra Hospital will “unite healthcare and community in an environmentally-friendly wellbeing-oriented campus".

Social Procurement also played a pivotal role in this project, with Decor Systems’ Supply Nation Certification significantly contributing to Multiplex's Indigenous Inclusion targets.

Maintaining a serene and peaceful environment is crucial for the wellbeing of patients and staff in healthcare settings. Decor Systems was integral to the project, supplying a range of aesthetic, highly absorbent, and eco-friendly acoustic panels tailored to various acoustic needs.

Decor_Systems_ZENMICRO AND ARKTURA.jpg — *ZenMicro and Arktura*

Waiting areas required acoustics that reduce stress, while reception areas required enhanced sound privacy. The selected combination of Arktura, Zen, ZenMicro, and Vogl panels effectively addressed these diverse acoustic and design needs.

Our DecorZen, featuring Smartlook Plantation Oak and ZenMicro panels, expertly installed by Sunshine Contracting, delivers outstanding acoustic performance across both medium and low frequencies. They are a firm favourite for any healthcare setting.

With their natural timber veneer, these panels bring a modern, calming aesthetic to the hospital's main reception area and waiting rooms, fostering a serene environment amid the bustling setting. The Zen range is GECA certified, emphasising Decor Systems' commitment to sustainability and green practices in architectural acoustics.

Decor_Systems_DECORZEN WAITING AREA.jpg — *DecorZen featured in the waiting area*

Our Vogl perforated plasterboard was used in the clinical reception areas and extensively throughout the hospital. It was painted in striking pink and blue, adding a pop of colour to the space. Vogl can be painted on-site or ordered in any colour. This perforated plasterboard, with GECA and LEED certifications and an EPD, not only meets Green Star criteria but also enhances the project's environmental credentials.

With Vogl’s crack resistance technology, you can be assured that your surfaces will remain smooth, intact, and beautiful for years, saving you time, money, and effort in maintenance and repair. Vogl is perfect for large-scale healthcare projects for these reasons. A faultless Vogl finish can only be achieved by good installation practice.

Decor_Systems_BLUE VOGL.jpg — *Blue Vogl*

We spoke with Sunshine Contracting’s Project Manager, Alen Vejzovic, about why they love working with Vogl.

“The installation of Vogl plasterboard ceilings throughout the project was notably efficient, thanks to the system's ease of installation,” Vejzovic said. “The high-quality materials contributed to excellent crack resistance, ensuring a durable finish that met our standards. Additionally, short lead times were achieved, which kept the project on schedule. The combination of ease of installation and superior crack resistance made the Vogl plasterboard ceiling a preferred choice for maintaining both performance and aesthetic appeal.”

BVN was eager to champion Arktura in their main lobby area. This impressive metal ceiling system's subtle complexity lends visual interest across a variety of spaces.

Also installed by Sunshine Contracting, Canberra Hospital will be the first large-scale project in Australia to feature Arktura. Its unique installation system proved no challenge to Sunshine Contracting.

"The installation of the Arktura ceiling was a pivotal moment in the project, transforming the main entrance space with its sleek design and precise engineering,” Vejzovic noted. “Throughout the project lifespan, the ceiling added aesthetic value and enhanced the acoustic and environmental quality, meeting all our expectations. The process was smooth, with the system's modularity allowing for efficient installation, ensuring that timelines were adhered to without compromising quality."

Decor Systems: Have you installed a product like this before?

Alen Vejzovic: Similar modular systems have been installed by Sunshine Contracting previously, but no system can compare to what the Arktura system was. It presented a learning curve with the panelling system layout. However, the learning curve allowed a deeper understanding of the product and the ingenuity behind its design.

What was different about this as opposed to other fixing methods?

Other modular systems require screw fixing for the final install, but the Arktura system focused on an effective and productive clip system, which made the install process quick and seamless with no impact on quality.

Was it a simple process to install?

After the initial step towards the installation of Arktura and understanding the process, the remaining installation was simple, with no issue with the install whatsoever.

Arktura, prominently featured in the main lobby as a bronze metal ceiling, serves as a sculptural soundscape. Decor Systems, as the exclusive supplier of Arktura products in Australia, utilised this flexible architectural system to enhance the lobby's design with customisable solutions suitable for large-scale projects like Canberra Hospital.

At Decor Systems, we are committed to providing world-class architectural acoustic solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and aesthetics and contribute positively to the environment. Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in the development of our product range. By offering detailed environmental data and sustainable options, we empower our clients to make informed, sustainable choices for their projects.

We are honoured to contribute to this trailblazing project and its innovative approach to sustainability and cutting-edge solutions.

Project details

Project: Canberra Hospital Expansion

Location: Garran, ACT

Sector: Health and Aged Care

Architect: BVN

Builder: Multiplex

Contractor: Sunshine Contracting

Application: Internal

Products:

Zen
Micro
Vogl
Arktura Vapor®

Photography: Tom Roe Photography

Architecture & Design Team

Decor Systems

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