Inspired by nature, the exterior of the new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) will be a bright centrepiece within the Westmead Health Precinct.
BLP has led the facade’s design, responding to the three water ways that converge at Westmead. The Toongabbie Creek and Darling Mills Creek connect to form the start of the Parramatta River, just a short walk from the hospital.
The creeks and rivers hold great significance for the Aboriginal community. The Burramattagal, a clan of the Dharug people were the first settlers along the upper reaches of the Parramatta River. They have a strong connection to the river, using it to catch fish, eels, and other types of food.
“The contemporary and welcoming architecture of the new hospital building offers a strong sense of place by drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural landscapes and patterns from the riverbanks.”
“The river’s significance inspired the form, geometry, materials, and colours of the facade. It moves in response to changing light and weather conditions throughout the day, creating an ever-evolving display. Using multi-coloured folded metal panels, it mimics the reflective qualities of water and incorporates ripple geometry, playing with light and shadow”, said Ivan Turcinov, Design Lead at BLP.
Consultation with local Aboriginal community representatives, SCHN and BLP took place with Dharug community members and Executive User Groups to understand how the river narrative resonated with community and staff.
More than a building
At the heart of the exterior design is a commitment to creating something special for patients, families, and staff and alleviating stress for children.
“For patients, our goal is to ignite curiosity, wonder, and joy, providing a positive distraction during their hospital stay. Overall, we envision a joyful, fun, and colourful children’s hospital,” said Mr Turcinov.
“For staff, we hope the building instils a sense of pride and connection with their workplace.”
The building is designed to maximise views, natural light, and patient amenities while ensuring privacy for patient rooms. The PSB will include single-patient bedrooms and dedicated carer zones, allowing parents and carers to remain with children while they are in hospital.
The PSB recently reached its highest structural point, with construction expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
For more information about the redevelopment visit the project website.
