HOLISTIC HEALTH SPACES

Beautiful, durable decking transforms a hospital courtyard into an outdoor sanctuary.

Located in Malvern, Victoria, Cabrini Hospital recently underwent a significant refurbishment, looking to reshape its space to enhance patient comfort. The hospital’s Gandel Wing was planned with patient wellbeing in mind, taking into account not only physical health but a holistic approach including emotional wellbeing and relaxation. Bates Smart, the architects behind the project, placed quality, calmness and comfort front of mind.

The outdoor courtyard area marked a significant part of the project. Holistic health and biophilic design intersect in this outdoor area where patients, staff and visitors can escape, enjoy fresh air and a serene area where they can take a break from hospital life.

The decking, which spans the expanse of the courtyard, was an important consideration. While natural beauty was a key element of the design, due to its healthcare setting, safety and durability were also crucial factors in planning. A product was required that would reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, and required only minimal maintenance.

The realisation of this design was found with DecoDeck®, a timber-look aluminium decking product from DECO Australia. Made from dimensionally stable solid aluminium with a slip-resistant powdercoat finish, DecoDeck® met the safety requirements for the project brief, providing a surface suitable for patients with mobility difficulties and reducing the risk of slips, even in wet weather.

DecoDeck® offers a unique proposition; the durability of aluminium combined with the natural beauty, look and feel of timber. The Super Durable™ powdercoat finish means zero maintenance to retain its appearance, eliminating the use of paints, stains or oils, which release VOCs into the air and could pose a risk to patient health.

DecoWood® Weathered Timber was the finish chosen to bring this safe-yet-stunning design to life, the soft greyish hues of the boards complemented the rest of the wing refurbishment while adding a sense of tranquillity. The use of this finish helped the courtyard project to achieve a sense of serenity and a return to nature, even in the midst of an urban hospital setting.

The easily-cut aluminium boards were installed seamlessly around the curved gardens in the courtyard, enhancing the biophilic elements of the overall design. The end result is a stunning space; an outdoor oasis nestled in the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital, allowing patients to embrace the outdoors in a safe and peaceful environment.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client Cabrini Hospital

Location Malvern, Victoria

Architect Bates Smart

Contractor Kane Constructions and Altitude Co

Decking Supply DECO Australia