Bates Smart completed the multi-stage project of the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia as a joint venture with Billard Leece Partnership and HKS as international advisors.

The $1 billion project will provide an opportunity for delivering new Models of Care incorporating innovative international health care concepts. These health care concepts include evidence based design principles, family centered design approach, environmentally sustainable design, introduction of daylight and nature into work and health care settings, co-location of clinical, and research and education facilities.

A central ‘street’ allows intuitive way-finding and creates a social heart for the hospital. Oriented to the north, the light-filled street binds the campus-like arrangement of buildings together, offering views of the parkland setting and the Melbourne skyline.

Patient bedroom designs include three zones (clinical, patient and family) that respond to the emotional needs of children and help enhance patient experience and recovery rates. With more than 85 per cent of the rooms designed for single occupancy, children can personalize their space and feel their bedroom is a safe and personal haven.

ESD features are a strong component in the design of the hospital. Features in the design include solar panels, orientation, volatile organic compound free materials, collection and re-use of rainwater, water efficient appliances and landscaping, black water treatment plant, efficient lighting, heating and cooling, 500 bike parking spaces, materials with high recycled content, bio mass fuel boiler, and 5 Green Star status.

Architect: Bates Smart, Billard Leece Partnership, HKS
Photography: John Gollings, Shannon McGrath