A new urban design and planning project coming to the NSW Central Coast, courtesy of SJB, will add a new notch to the leading architects’ belt.
It’s a rare occasion that a practice as stalwart amongst the industry as our beloved SJB—founded 1976, for anyone who might be too young to remember—gets to say it’s embarking on a new typological ‘first’ to add to its extensive body of work. It must a Blue Moon, because the 55-year-old, multidisciplinary practice (spanning the realms of architecture, planning, urban and interior design) has just revealed designs for a project that’s currently on the drawing table that, come completion, will have earned SJB a new notch on its belt.
The architecture and urban design for the future Northside Private Hospital coming to Gosford, NSW, is entrusted unto the astute hands of the SJB’s Sydney-based studio, marking the firm’s inaugural stake of claim in the healthcare space. The 238-bed state significant development for the Central Coast Region in Gosford intended to deliver the best quality health services and clinical outcomes to the Central Coast community.
“SJB is proud and excited to be working on our first health care precinct with Health Projects International in Gosford,” says Adam Haddow. As one of the Sydney studio’s directors, Haddow is a pivotal figure in SJB’s masterplan and urban development works in Gosford and other hotspots of urbanity currently blossoming along the NSW central coast, including Newcastle.
“We are passionate about bringing thoughtful architecture to regional Australia, and we are committed to delivering a sympathetic design outcome that enhances the local area and delivers care and amenity to the local community,” says Haddow. Originally hailing from Newcastle himself, there’s a sentimental side to architect’s work in the region.
The site will deliver public and private health care with integrated operating theatres, intensive care unit, mental health ward, outdoor care spaces and ground floor retail services.The site’s spatial planning creates an active and permeable ground plane populated by safe drop-off and pick-up points, retail opportunities and outdoor spaces for relaxation.
The triple-height main entry has an abundance of natural light and ventilation improving wayfinding and mitigating the stress of hospital waiting rooms. Green rooftop gardens have been designed to offer outdoor experiences for patients and staff which studies have shown accelerate patient recovery and improve staff mental wellbeing.
The design intent incorporates campus design principles to elevate the site while integrating the building into the surrounding context. SJB interpreted the historical functions of Gosford and developed a design that reflected the nature of the area, providing a landmark building that activates the existing industrial lot that it stands on.
Sandstone and terracotta define the project, with a generous colonnade wrapping the public domain retail spaces, creating an inviting environment for all patrons. Natural escarpment where the ocean meets the land and the historical sandstone quarries of Gosford informed the materiality that is reflected in the colour and articulation of the principal building.
“Our experience in residential, commercial and hotel sectors has influenced the amenity focused design of the ground plane and the considered facade modulation that will wrap the exterior of the building,” says Haddow.
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