Five-star treatment

Modern healthcare facilities are a far cry from the institutionalised hospitals of old. Today, such centres are not only equipped with the latest technology, but also have an architectural aesthetic that's very different from a traditional clinic.

The Poche Centre, the new home of the Melanoma Institute Australia, typifies this innovation. This centre for melanoma research, treatment and education was built by AW Edwards Pty Ltd, a construction company with extensive experience in major health, research, commercial office, civic, industrial and multi-unit residential projects.

Project manager David Oliver says the Poche Centre provided a number of challenges that needed to be resolved early on in the project.

"The building has many distinctive architectural features that required innovative construction solutions," he says. "For example, the glazed brickwork needed to appear as a continuous suspended facade. Instead of using visible shelf angles to support the bricks, we created a concrete structure behind, and cast the bricks into the concrete. This preserves the sleek lines of the facade. We also installed brick-patterned precast concrete panels that appear suspended from the building."

Oliver says the quality of the finishes, both inside and out, was another key consideration for AW Edwards. To retain the smooth curved design, all elements needed to align precisely, with minimal tolerance. Other construction challenges included working within the tight site, which is bounded by streets on three sides.

Business development manager Andrew Craig says the completed project is a testament to the company's commitment to trouble-free project delivery and high-quality outcomes. The project has won the 2010 Master Builders Association Excellence in Construction Award for Health Buildings ($20 - $50 million).

For more details, contact AW Edwards Pty Ltd, 131 Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge, NSW 2063, phone (02) 9958 1474. Email: nsw@awedwards.co.au. Or visit the website: www.awedwards.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas