Gold Coast University Hospital Mental Health Unit, Southport, QLD

GCUH Architects, a consortium of Architects including STH, PDT and HASSELL, completed the 175,000 m² Gold Coast University Hospital development in 2012 with the hospital opening its doors to the public on September 28th, 2013.

The 750-bed tertiary hospital development includes a stand alone 4,650 m² Mental Health Unit (MHU) with 72 beds. The Mental Health facility was envisioned to be located within a parkland setting collocated with a tertiary hospital, enabling for the extended care of patients with co-morbidities and access to educational and research opportunities associated with a tertiary hospital.

The MHU has its own street address but is connected discreetly with the emergency department of the main hospital. Admissions to the MHU occur via the admissions suite within the facility preserving patient privacy, dignity and safety. The facility incorporates a single storey inpatient building enabling at grade access from all areas to courtyard spaces. The creation of a comfortable, domestic style environment has been considered and tested against the need to provide a safe, secure and durable environment. The building layout allows for a high level of observation throughout the common areas.

The project received a Commendation and ‘Building of the Year Award’ at the 2013 Queensland AIA awards and a High Commendation from the International Academy for Design and Health (IADH).

PROJECT SIZE:
4,650 m²

STATUS:
Completed 2012

CLIENT:
Queensland Health BACK