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Architects: Billard Leece Partnership
- Area: 1600 m²
- Year: 2013
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Photographs:Tony Miller
A primary healthcare facility for the township of Wallan, the Super Clinic reflects the welcoming, community oriented values of Nexus Health. The design provides an integrated care experience focussed on illness prevention that includes GP practitioners, allied health professionals such as nurses, visiting medical specialists and ancillary health services.
The distinctive predominantly timber building’s architecture balances transparency and functionality, with large windows, generous spaces and a highly articulated shading system. Engagement with the surrounds has informed the design. Extensive glazing is shaded by a dynamic pattern of angled engineered timber fins that extend around the façade, framing the views beyond and providing a distinctive aesthetic.
The building surrounds a double height atrium which encloses a sinuous stair leading to the upper level clinic. The ground floor includes expansive community spaces adjacent external landscaped areas. The design predicates the layout on strong wayfinding, emphasising the clarity of the circulation and utilising views throughout the building to the rolling hills beyond.
The façade of raked timber fins creates a dynamic play of shadows throughout the day, ameliorating the sunlight and glare to the large windows which frame the expansive views.
Sustainability greatly informs the design. To minimise impact on the environment a range of strategies including natural ventilation through public spaces, controlled use of natural light and orientation, rainwater recycling and predominantly sustainable timber construction were used. The façade and shading elements are constructed with engineered timbers. Landscaped gardens surround the building providing a natural environment and shade during the day.
The Nexus Health Super Clinic creates a new focal point for the community providing a non institutional and engaging environment for staff, patients and visitors. Welcoming and readily accessible spaces accommodate primary care and allied health services at level one, and a community hub at ground level.
