As leaders in health planning and design of mental health facilities, ARCH addressed every facet of the user experience and safety in developing the Gold Coast University Hospital Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit for the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service and Queensland Health.

Emphasising a rehabilitation-focused approach, the design prioritises a person-centred environment that creates a welcoming, safe and predictable environment that maximises access to nature and light in a calming setting for all. The interior layout evokes a residential ambiance, utilising thoughtfully chosen materials and colour schemes delineating the distinct zones of arrival, recovery and assessment.

This 40-bed facility is structured across three levels, with an upper-level entrance that connects seamlessly to the existing hospital infrastructure via a glazed linkway. Clinical support facilities complement two levels of secure mental health wards, each accommodating 20 bedrooms. The design also incorporates lower-level secure access.

The facility is designed for individuals with complex mental health needs and accommodates extended stays of six to twelve months. During their residency, consumers engage in rehabilitation activities geared toward developing daily living skills, including cooking and other essential life competencies. The facility further includes sensory rooms and therapy suites intended to advance recovery and rehabilitation outcomes.In a significant departure from conventional secure facilities, overt security measures have been subtly integrated into the design aesthetic, coupled with lessons learnt across Australia and the world. This principle was critical to the overall architectural ethos.

Enhancing the consumer experience was paramount, not only in private accommodations but also within courtyards and communal spaces. Internal courtyards maximise outdoor spaces, flooding interiors with natural light while ensuring consumers' privacy and comfort.

Journey with James Dunlop, Senior Peer Coordinator, and John Chacksfield, Allied Health Lead, as they tour the facility, highlighting the interior elements and features that benefit both consumers and healthcare practitioners.

Photographer: David Wicks dmw photography