Architects working on the design of a new children’s ward at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide chose laminates and timber veneers from Laminex to introduce a welcoming and fun ambiance to the space.

Located in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH) is currently undergoing a transformation as part of South Australia’s Health Care Plan 2007 - 2016 (SAHCP), including the development of a new Children and Adolescents Ward.

South Australian architectural practice, Cheesman Architects worked with Laminex Australia to deliver a durable, easy-to-clean and welcoming environment in the 1000sqm ward. According to Cheesman Architects Associate Senior Interior Designer, Liliana Ramirez, key objectives for the design included delivering an exceptional environment that would withstand high traffic, have long-lasting durability and provide patients with a pleasant space.

The designer sought to move away from the ‘sterile’ clinical feel usually associated with medical spaces, while still using hardwearing, attractive products that could survive the harsh chemicals, high foot traffic and the busy activities of a hospital ward.

Cheesman Architects selected a range of Formica and Laminex products, including the strong, yet stylish Laminex Compact Laminate range, Laminex Timber Veneers and Laminex Colour Palette.

Laminex Multipurpose Compact Laminate was chosen for its resistance to chemicals and stains, easy cleaning and durability in withstanding heavy traffic.

Laminex Multipurpose Compact Laminate Platinum Micro and Laminex New Graphite were used as toilet and shower partitions.

Laminex Timber Veneers were selected to create rounded corners for the reception desk to introduce safety, preventing any potential injury caused by sharp edged corners.

Cheesman Architects also relied on the Riven finish in the Laminex Impressions textured surfaces range to create bespoke organic motifs on the walls of some wards. Resembling trees, the motifs are made from Laminex Oyster Linea and have been teamed with Laminex Juicy. Laminex Juicy and Laminex Olympia Yellow have been used as bedhead panels across the ward. Laminex White is used extensively as a neutral colour to bring together the bright palette. The versatile decor has been used from the reception area to meeting rooms and staff and assessment rooms. The playful print of Laminex Fusion Design Source Garden Party was used to liven up a treatment room.

Laminex Espresso Ligna, Laminex Stone Beige, Laminex New Ash Dust, Formica Deep Anthracite, Formica Velveteen were all used in waiting rooms, corridors and the staff room.

Laminex Australia’s General Manager of Marketing, George Bej described the design outcomes of the new Children and Adolescents Ward project at Lyell McEwin Hospital as truly exceptional, adding that Cheesman Architects has cleverly used Laminex products to deliver an inviting and engaging environment for the young patients and their families while providing a dynamic workspace for the doctors and nursing staff.