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In a new 4-Star Green Star medical facility, every nook, cranny, workstation and paint surface has to conform to stringent guidelines. To achieve the level of consistency and aesthetic required, a high level of task-specific know-how is required.

Specialist health architectural firm Klein played a vital part in the new Forte Health hospital, recently opened by New Zealand prime minister John Key.

Located in the heart of Christchurch, the building marks a milestone as the first significant new building to be completed in the Red Zone since the 2011 earthquake, says Klein Architects senior associate Melanie Mason.

As a result of Klein's award-winning work within the New Zealand health sector, it was commissioned by Forte Health to complete the specialist interior fit-out, working with base architects Wilson and Hill.

An important part of the brief was to create an interior that was both environmentally sound and sustainable so a raft of initiatives aimed at making it as energy efficient as possible were incorporated, says lead architect Melanie Mason.

"A key challenge for us was the speed of the project. Construction of the building commenced while we were still finishing design of the fit-out. The design was completed in just eight months and from start to finish the complex took only 18 months to construct, which is a remarkable feat."

The building's list of eco-friendly credentials include a large internal light well, solar-powered water heating and a smart lighting system; as well as heat-recovery air conditioning, waste reduction and a built-in energy optimising building management system.

For details, contact Klein, phone +64 9 377 7005.Website: www.klein.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas