Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital scoops top architecture award
Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital has been recognised at the Southern Architecture Awards for its exceptional design and attention to detail.
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) has named the winners of its Local Awards for the Southern Region, with Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital scooping the Public Architecture accolade.
Designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects, the hospital, which is a 50-50 joint venture between Southern Cross Healthcare and Central Lakes Trust, was recognised by the judging panel for being “above the utilitarian norm”.
The judges described Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital as a technically complex building that is very functional and efficient. The care taken in designing and implementing the hospital’s user experience was also singled out, as was the building’s warm, abstract exterior.
Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital Executive Chair Andrew Blair says he’s pleased the hard work that went into creating a new hospital that’s considerate of both staff and patient needs has been recognised this way.
“I want to congratulate Warren and Mahoney Architects for the overall vision and design they brought to this project,” he said.
“We set about to develop a hospital that would not only serve the needs of Central Lakes locals but would do so in a way that’s as seamless and comfortable as possible for our patients and our healthcare workers.
“The judges noted that ‘a generous and humane spirit’ drove the implementation of our hospital’s design and I couldn’t agree more. Much thought was put into every aspect of this building, and it really shows.”
Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital was also one of six category winners to receive a Resene Colour Award too.
The judges said the hospital’s colour palette of soft, natural tones offered a sense of calm in a clinical situation, which contributes to patients’ wellbeing.