Built on the land of the Kombumerri family clan, who are traditional custodians within the Yugambeh Language Region.
Queensland
Gold Coast and Northern Rivers
Conceived as an alternative to the institutional model of secure mental health care, this 40-bed rehabilitation facility redefines how architecture can support recovery, dignity and long-term wellbeing. The design adopts a person-centred, rehabilitation-focused approach, creating a calm, safe and legible environment that maximises access to daylight, landscape and nature.
Organised across three levels, the facility connects to the existing hospital while maintaining secure, independent operation. Two inpatient levels accommodate 40 bedrooms with integrated clinical, therapy and communal spaces. Residential-inspired interiors use colour and texture to define zones of arrival, assessment and recovery.
Designed for stays of six to twelve months, the facility encourages autonomy through shared kitchens, sensory rooms and therapy suites. Security measures are discreetly embedded within the architecture, informed by best-practice precedents.
Landscaped courtyards bring light deep into the plan while preserving privacy. The architecture establishes a humane, restorative setting that challenges perceptions of secure mental health care.
The SMHRU building provides a safe and secure inpatient environment to support the recovery and rehabilitation of consumers with severe and complex mental health disorders, to transition to independent living in the community. This purpose-designed facility, with 40-bed capacity on hospital-campus, features a linkway to all hospital services and enables staff, families and carers ease of access to the building, services, and facilities.Â
The SMHRU benefits realised include:
- Enhanced consumer and staff safety
- Improved consumer outcomes
- Improved staff satisfaction
- Enhanced carer satisfaction
- Enhanced training opportunities and contribution to research.
Ron Bridgefoot, Project Architect
Scott Chapple, Design Architect
James Campbell, Interior Designer
Neil Carter, Project Architect
Sean Logue, Design Architect
Anthony Cheng, Architectural Technician
Aliaksandr Merkulau, Graduate of Architecture
Fay Wang, Design Architect
Sanjiv Malhan, Graduate of Architecture
Trisha Rosales, Graduate of Interior Design
Jaslyn NG, Project Architect
Graham Smith, Project Architect
Sharon Davies, Project Architect
Kristy Utz, Graduate of Architecture
Meinhardt Pty Ltd, Civil Consultant
Stantec Australia Pty Ltd, Structural Engineer
Multitech Solutions Pty Ltd, Electrical Consultant
Renzo Tonin & Associates Pty Ltd, Acoustic Consultant
AIM Medical Australia Pty Ltd, FF&E Consultant
Dot Dash Pty Ltd, Wayfinding & signage
Wolter Consulting Group Pty Ltd / Therefor Group Pty Ltd, Landscape Consultant
McKenzie Group Consulting Pty Ltd, DDA Consultant
WSP Australia Pty Limited, Fire Engineering
Bennett + Bennett, Consulting surveyor
Butler Partners Pty Ltd, Geotechnical
Hendry Group Pty Ltd & McKenzie Group Consulting Pty Ltd, Building certifier
Donald Cant Watts Corke, Quantity Surveyor