Modern and purpose-built buildings set a new standard for mental health facilities in New Zealand with their award-winning design, sustainability, flexibility, and provision of safe, supportive, and therapeutic environments.

The consolidation of mental health and addiction services at Christchurch’s Hillmorton Campus creates a warm and welcoming environment, supporting Oranga Hinengaro, the Ministry of Health framework for mental wellbeing.

Clinicians, Mana Whenua Ki Waitaha (a collective of seven Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga), and people with lived experience provided valuable design input. These insights were combined with those of the consultant team, including Beca, and the latest models of specialist care.
 
The result is a space filled with natural light and generous courtyards, connecting with the outdoors. The interior design, inspired by the local environment and cultural narrative, promotes comfort and supporting safety, essential for people who are often in distress.

The buildings are positive and home-like, without discriminating against cultures, gender, or disabilities, and meet hospital-level accessibility and durability needs. The spaces prioritise patient autonomy, with individual rights and dignity, whilst balancing safety and security.
 
By integrating clinical team knowledge with designers input, the outcome is a flexible building layout that supports patient cohorts and optimises care delivery. This approach fosters a therapeutic environment, enhancing social connections, trust, and collaboration between patients and staff for improved care outcomes.

Awards

  • 2024 Property Council New Zealand Property Industry Awards - Warren & Mahoney Civic, Health & Arts Property Award, Excellence

  • 2024 Property Council New Zealand Property Industry Awards - Resene Sustainable Building Property Award, Merit

  • 2024 Project of the Year - New Build International, Design in Mental Health, UK - submitted by Klein Architects on Behalf of Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora


Images by Sarah Rowlands Photography
 

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7880m²

Total area for 2 buildings

4

Green Star design rating

73%

Lower operating energy output

Our team says...

Our design team’s open and collaborative approach, alongside the Hillmorton clinical teams and the project architect, helped to deliver a facility that is now setting the benchmark for new mental health facilities around Aotearoa.

Andrew Jackson

Technical Director - Building Services

Our People

Andrew Jackson

Technical Director - Building Services

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