Hassell create state-of-the-art health hub inspired by nature

Tenderstream member Hassell has revealed concept designs for the new Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital in Australia. The design positions the facility as a future civic landmark for the twin cities that border two states, Victoria and New South Wales. The transformed hospital precinct is designed to humanise the healthcare experience and redefine patient care by balancing advanced medical functionality with the healing qualities of nature.

The AUD 558m development consolidates complex care on one site, featuring a state-of-the-art clinical services building, extensive landscape design and improved parking, ICU, maternity and birthing, mental health, and significantly expanded inpatient bed capacity and support services. A flexible masterplan allows the campus to evolve in response to growing regional health needs.

The project incorporates perspectives from the local First Nations community to reflect the region’s cultural richness, connecting indoor spaces with tranquil gardens and courtyards. The hospital’s interior is designed to reflect a more patient-centred healthcare experience. Warm materials such as wood and natural fibres, along with light-filled rooms and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, create a calming environment that reduces stress and fosters emotional wellbeing. Informed by staff consultation, an integrated floor plan aims to improve collaboration between departments, creating a model tailored to the requirements of regional healthcare.

In a design inspired by the hospital campus’ existing garden and surrounding bush land, expanded green spaces offer private moments of solitude and public gathering areas. These therapeutic gardens help create a restorative environment for patients, visitors and staff that contributes to emotional resilience and physical recovery. Catherine Loker, principal at Hassell, states: “The ability of design to reduce stress and improve patient wellbeing is well understood. Creating calm, peaceful environments with access to nature and fresh air benefits the entire hospital community.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

Start your free trial here or email our team directly at customerservices@tenderstream.com