Parkside Wards - Canterbury District Health Board

These two new wards, constructed on levels 2 and 3 in the Parkside building of Christchurch Hospital, fulfil the requirement for increased bed spaces, following the Christchurch earthquake. A new plant room was also constructed above the wards.

Careful, sensitive design ensures the new four bed and single bed wards, which are designed to modern standards, work well within the current structure, while incorporating existing restrictions such as columns, shear walls and unlevel floors into the layout. The aim was to create a light, positive environment utilising natural light in all patient spaces in order to make the patients’ stay more comfortable and to establish a functional and enjoyable work space for medical staff.

The hospital remained fully operational during construction with mechanical, electrical, medical gas, fire protection and other critical services not affected. The wards were constructed over 17 live operating theatres. Changes imposed after construction had started, to incorporate IL4 Code requirements, introduced further constraints in the design and construction.

The exterior design incorporates a composite aluminium cladding system that is sympathetic to the existing adjacent precast cladding but lightweight in structure. The overall weight was reduced once the existing precast elements were removed and lightweight cladding added.  This was desirable from a seismic perspective to reduce overall mass of the extension. The use of the composite cladding creates aesthetically pleasing facades and transforms the inner courtyard areas into enjoyable retreats within the hospital environment.