Wellington Children’s Hospital by Studio Design + Architecture
Made possible through public funding and a significant donation from philanthropist Mark Dunajtschik, Te Wao Nui is a unique healthcare facility with a welcoming, calm and child-focused environment.
The building’s rigorous technical, programmatic and seismic resilience requirements have been met. Also provided are generosity of space, daylight and views throughout, while innovations from overall building services distribution, patient-room cabinetry design and whanau facilities have been creatively incorporated.
Moments of discovery and playfulness have been incorporated seamlessly into the building fabric, from the warmth of interior finishes to frit patterns on glazing. Landscape and playscape areas are inviting, with extensive green foliage softening public-access areas and buffering the building from the surrounding car park.
Resene Colour Award
An engaging way-finding colour scheme changes progressively on each level, encompassing the forest floor through to the sky. The articulated glazed façade incorporates a gradient of translucent coloured-glass fins, accentuated in the light at different times of day. Calm and welcoming individual room colours benefit patients, whanau and staff.
