For the growing town of Port Macquarie, the expansion of the local Base Hospital has not only brought world-class services, equipment and skills to the region, the $17.5 million expanded mental health unit has also delivered a new approach to holistic care through thoughtful design, inside and out. 

Responding to a design brief that called for natural light and quiet, secure, spaces for relaxation inside and out, design team A.W Edwards and STH Architects utilised colour and texture to create a new care experience for the hospital’s patients, family and staff. The design team says they are proud to be involved with the modernisation of healthcare services and has completed works at various hospitals across New South Wales.

“With the expansion of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Mental Heath Unit, the design carefully considers that access to areas other than the inside of a hospital room could support patient recovery. The incorporation of accessible courtyard spaces allows patient interaction with the outdoor elements – in particular sunlight, breeze and views towards the surrounding treetops,” the design team stated.

Cemintel Territory™ Savanna was used as external cladding for the courtyard facades. The dual colour selection features Mist and Cloud in a horizontal formation on the building’s external facades and space within the courtyards. The horizontal installation adds to the sense of an open and relaxed flow. The design team commented that the colours were chosen specifically to feel warm and safe, and to connect elements of the space together.

“They are cohesive with the outdoor environment. Mist connects to the ground and Cloud connects to the sky, which extends the scale of the space and creates a feeling of openness,” the design team stated.

Coastal Commercial Linings Foreman, Brock Baird, was familiar with Territory Savannah prior to the design and suggested it to enhance the quality and performance of the space. “The installation process was seamless, and by cutting the panels to different sizes and staggering the dark panels in between, we were able to keep the space interesting without dominating it,” says Brock.

The Port Macquarie Base Hospital plays a fundamental role in serving the local community and the expansion project will elevate its services to support hundreds more. Choosing materials that would be durable with minimal maintenance was at the forefront of the design process. Territory Savanna has platinum coating technology, which protects against UV damage and colour fade, with a NichiGuard® stain resistant and self-cleaning coating. It also provides long-term thermal performance with a ventilated cavity between the panels that prevents mold and water build up and provides a more sustainable method of heating and cooling.

Cemintel’s Territory Savanna allowed the design team to modernise and enhance the courtyards within the unit which will be used by staff, patients and their families.

The expansion project will have separate courtyards designed for adults, adolescents and close observation patients.