Dandenong Hospital Mental Health Facility Stage 1
Dandenong, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The overriding principle for this hospital development was to create a modern, purpose-built facility for the community. The design responds closely to the new Model of Care, with particular reference to:

• Innovative design
• 100% single rooms with ensuite co-located clinical streams
• Bedroom clustering within a stream
• Non-institutional design
• Outdoor and activity areas to encourage
• Social interaction
• A calm, safe and therapeutic environment
• Supervision and observation without unnecessary intervention
• A sense of place and identity for each zone
• Flexibility for sharing spaces
• Blended interior and exterior environments
• Avoiding stand alone courtyard walls.

A joint venture by Bates Smart in association with Irwin Alsop Architects.

Client
Department of Health / Southern Health
Area
8,200 sqm
Completion
2011

Awards

• AIA National Award for Public Architecture 2014
• AIA (Vic) Public Architecture (New) 2014
• Australian Timber Design Awards, Overall Award for Timber Design 2014
• Australian Timber Design Awards, Excellence in Timber Design, Multi Residential, New Buildings 2014

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The curative properties of timber
Kristen Whittle interview on Dandenong Mental Health Facility

2014 Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards
Hat-Trick for Bates Smart

Dandenong Hospital, Victoria
Mental Health Infrastructure Re-Thought