New Zealand’s first Healing Garden wins international design award

Designed by Jasmax and Outside In

Photography: Troy Goodall

New Zealand's first large-scale indoor healing garden at Tōtara Haumaru, the new hospital building at North Shore Hospital, has won the top, Diamond Award, at the annual international Biophilic Design Awards.

Jasmax developed the design concept for the Healing Garden with Outside In, Haumi and the Well Foundation.

Outside In's ground-breaking 110-square-metre garden features over 500 plants, some reaching heights of more than two metres, to benefit patient care and well-being.

The Healing Garden harnesses the proven benefits of nature to enhance patient well- being and recovery outcomes. International research has shown views of nature can lead to shorter post-operative stays and less need for pain medication.

Outside In’s plantscape for the Healing Garden authentically re-creates the forest canopy of Aotearoa indoors, providing beautiful views of nature from all four storeys of the new hospital. 

Patients, their whānau and hospital staff have a truly inspiring place which they can enjoy and relax in anytime they wish. It also includes a dedicated staff- only area, where healthcare workers can recharge during their busy day.

To bring the Healing Garden to life, Outside In created an ingenious new product (Forest Form®). These structures incorporate more than 500 plants from over 15 species (including New Zealand natives). 

The multi-layered planted canopy immerses visitors in a New Zealand forest experience, complete with the scent of preserved moss.

This is the second time Outside In has won the Award, a feat achieved by no other New Zealand company. To add to their Diamond Award title, the Kiwi business also won the Platinum Award and the Silver Award at this year’s competition for two of their other projects.

Story by: Trendsideas