Southern Cross Clinic Ext

The Client acquired two additional properties adjoining an existing elective surgical hospital and Archimedia prepared a Master Plan for the combined sites, to ensure staged development was consistent with the ultimate intent. Stage One involves the extension of an existing healthcare centre wing, three storeys high, with an elevated outlook over the Wairau Valley and Hauraki Gulf. The circulation configuration of the existing building was analysed and a new external corridor was suspended at first floor level to connect the new extension into the existing circulation network. An atrium was created between the existing and new buildings that allowed vertical circulation between three levels and connection to the future development. The floor plan was configured to allow a number of entrances to each level from this atrium to facilitate flexible subdivision of the floors and provide front of house and back of house access where required. The form was considered as a single tectonic element floating over a transparent glazed ground level, supported on basalt piloti. This volume was glazed on three sides and an enveloping, shading skin of fine anodised aluminium louvres inclined subtly outward was placed within a white metal frame, creating a memorable icon on the elevated site, whilst providing a back-drop for signage over the valley below. Timber wall linings are specified to the tenancies to evoke the sense of humane care provided. Wairau Rd, Glenfield, 2018 Project Team:  Lindsay Mackie Photography: Archimedia