Regional health connects land and culture
Located 150km east of Melbourne in Traralgon, the $217m expansion of the Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) is a substantial upgrade and addition to rural health services for Central Gippsland, addressing current and future health service needs for this rural Victorian community.
The new building is set amongst beautifully landscaped courtyards that reflect the wide open spaces in and around the site. All patient rooms have views of these gardens, and each landscaped area supports gathering as they are accessible to patients, staff, and visitors.
Through an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders, including detailed review of all functional and spatial accommodation briefs, BLP was able to unlock and resolve current impediments with existing clinical planning. The new building and associated works include expansion of the Emergency Department, Mental Health Emergency Department and the Operating Theatres, as well as additional works increasing capacity for Maternity, Imaging, Pathology, Paediatric, Inpatient, and Intensive Care Units.
Healing is a holistic process which addresses mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and involves connections to culture, family, and land. The design of LRH will encourage family and community to play an active part in the recovery process of patients. Spaces will be bright and welcoming for all community members to enhance the facility’s connection with place.
The Department of Health, Victoria, led a community consultation process with First Nations Gunaikurnai elders, to foster a sense of connection and belonging to Country. The hospital design concept draws inspiration from local waterways and land features, and key learnings from the consultation process. The architecture, interior design, and wayfinding strategy work together to communicate this cohesive concept. The ornate detailing of the earthy brickwork references the existing buildings on site and provides a continued aesthetic on campus. The soothing neutral tones form the base material palette with accents of green, blue, and ochre to highlight different departments and aid in wayfinding.
Biophilic design, which harnesses the healing properties of the human connection to nature, is integrated into the building through visual and physical connections to the courtyards and gardens while also allowing vistas to the adjacent rural landscape from all wards and public areas. BLP commissioned a local First Nations artist to create artwork for the foyer, providing further connection to the surrounding area. Graphics, artworks, finishes, textures, and lighting all work together to provide a harmonious and naturally inspired internal environment, utilising illustrative elements drawn from the textures, palettes, and forms of the Gippsland landscape.
Location – Traralgon, Victoria
Client – Department of Health Victoria
Area – 12,500sqm
Value – $217m
Completed – 2024
