Designing and engineering Rotorua's Acute Mental Health Unit

WSP is undertaking design and engineering services for the construction of a new mental health facility on the grounds of Rotorua Hospital in New Zealand. The existing Whare Whakaue facility, which is over four decades old and in poor condition, has been hindering the delivery of quality care.

Location

Rotorua, New Zealand

Client

Te Whatu Ora Lakes

Project Status

Under Construction

All ImageS Supplied by

CHOW HILL

The new facility aims to provide a contemporary model of care that promotes healing, wellbeing, and cultural inclusivity. Our approach to the project emphasizes collaborative partnerships, cultural foundations, human-centred design, and sustainable engineering.

What we're doing

With our partner Chow Hill, we're designing and engineering a purpose-built facility, with capacity for 16 beds and potential future expansion to 20 beds. The building is sited on a geothermally active area of the hospital campus which has required careful consideration in the enhanced risk of hydrogen sulfide and its associated corrosive power.

The project also involves the demolition of existing buildings, establishment of paths, roading, landscaping, and utility infrastructure trenching.

The team have come up with a design approach that prioritizes kaupapa Māori design principles – accommodating the needs of the local community, with a strong focus on Māori cultural aspects.

How we're doing it

We've adopted a highly collaborative approach with this project. We’re actively involving healthcare stakeholders and local iwi in the design process. Our engagement with operational and clinical staff during stakeholder workshops ensures that the new facility's systems and operations align with their requirements.

We're working closely with architects to incorporate cultural requirements into the engineering design, fostering inclusivity and helping reduce healthcare inequities. This collaborative approach results in shared buy-in and means the project benefits from diverse perspectives and expertise.

What makes Mauri Ora Rotorua stand out?

Sustainability

Our innovative and energy-efficient technologies in the design of the new facility aim to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs.

Rautaki Māori

The design of the new facility is guided by whare and whānau concepts, reflecting the significance of Māori culture and community needs.

Human Centricity

The flexible and adaptable layout supports future expansion and promotes service user recovery and wellness, while aligning with the Māori concept of mauri ora and facilitating care delivery across all stages of life.

Image Credit: Chow Hill

Sustainable engineering and design for health and wellness

We're committed to promoting sustainable engineering and design practices that contribute to health and wellness outcomes. By using innovative and energy-efficient technologies, the design of the new facility aims to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs.

Our expertise in building services, structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering ensures that the design incorporates sustainable solutions from the earliest stages.

The Rotorua Acute Mental Health Unit project is a fine example of WSP’s commitment to collaborative partnerships, cultural foundations, human-centred design, and sustainable engineering. By actively involving healthcare stakeholders and local iwi, the design and engineering of the new facility meets the diverse needs of the community it serves.

Through sustainable engineering and design practices, we’re proud of how we’re helping Whare Whakaue achieve the best possible health and wellness outcomes while minimizing environmental impact

Building Cultural Foundation

Recognizing the significance of Māori culture and community needs, the design of the new facility has been strongly guided by whare and whānau concepts. The incorporation of kaupapa Māori principles creates a safer, more therapeutic environment that supports the healing and recovery of whaiora (patients).

The facility promotes cultural sensitivity and inclusivity by providing improved whānau spaces. It considers the specific needs of different age groups, such as young adults and older people. Once the new facility is commissioned, this cultural foundation will enhance the overall experience and effectiveness of Whare Whakaue's healthcare services.

Rotorua acute mental health interior new

IMAGE CREDIT: CHOW HILL

IMAGE CREDIT: CHOW HILL

Human-centered design

Human-centred design principles have been used to create a healing environment for all. Our spacious and light-filled design aims to enhance the well-being of patients and staff - fostering a positive and calming atmosphere.

The layout prioritizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing for future expansion. By incorporating the perspectives and needs of service users, the design promotes service user recovery and wellness. The facility's functional design facilitates the delivery of care across all stages of life, aligning with the Māori concept of mauri ora (connection to community and culture).