Congress Mparntwe Health Hub | Susan Dugdale & Associates

Congress Mparntwe Health Hub | Susan Dugdale & Associates | Photographer: Tom Roe

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Congress Mparntwe Health Hub | Susan Dugdale & Associates

Traditional Land Owners

Arrernte

Year
2026
Chapter

Northern Territory

Category
Commercial Architecture
Builder
Asbuild NT
Photographer
Tom Roe
Media summary

The Congress Mparntwe Health Hub is a new two‑storey administrative building that unites 175 Congress staff within a purpose‑built, culturally grounded workplace. Two wings are connected by a glass‑walled atrium that frames views across landscaped courtyards to Lhere Mparntwe (Todd River).  Two large artworks on louvre screens on the front façade feature murals based on themes of health from an Aboriginal cultural perspective. Developed with cultural advisors, these reinforce Congress’ identity as a place of safety, pride and community connection. 

Cantilevered bays define the sculptural southern façade, while the northern edge integrates stormwater strategies with a riverine native garden, shaded seating and bike facilities. Inside, flexible workplace pods, generous northern light, and dedicated wellbeing spaces support Congress’ evolving service model. Achieving Central Australia’s first 6-star Greenstar rating, the all‑electric building incorporates rainwater harvesting, solar power and end‑of‑trip facilities, while delivering significant social impact through high Aboriginal workforce participation.

The Mparntwe Health Hub has been created to strengthen collaboration, productivity, teamwork and the overall well‑being of our staff and community. Its environmentally sustainable design reduces operating costs, enabling Congress to invest more directly in Aboriginal health care where it matters most. The Hub stands as a visible expression of Congress’ confidence, modern approach and long‑term ambition, demonstrating our commitment to high‑quality services and continued investment in the future of Central Australia.

Project Practice Team

Sue Dugdale, Design Architect
Miriam Wallace, Project Manager
Flynn Carr, Project Architect
Doug Baillie, Project Architect
Claire Robertson, Interior Design
Andy Davis, Documentation
Alana Brown, Graphic Design

Project Consultant and Construction Team

Meinhardt Australia, Services Consultant
NJA Consulting, Structural Engineer
Rattlepod Landscapes (previously Arid Edge Environment Services), Landscape Consultant
D Squared Consulting, ESD Consultant
Tecon Australia, Building Surveyor
QS Services, Cost Consultant
Donald Cant Watts Corke, Cost Consultant
Resonate Consultants, Acoustic Consultant
Stantec, AV Consultant
MFY, Traffic Consultant
Brian Blakeman Surveys, Land Surveyor
Lifestyle Solutions / Bindi Enterprises, Art Consultant
Geoff Miers Garden Solutions, Arborist

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