Challenge

The Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) providing primary healthcare services initiated and operated by the local Aboriginal community. It currently operates from the main local facility and a number of other ancillary sites.

The existing site required significant upgrades to meet healthcare demands and to ensure that BACHS can continue to provide essential services to the community. The vision for the new Bourke Integrated Primary Healthcare Centre (BIPHCC) is to improve and bring together all services in one place.

Response

We looked to design a health care centre that was efficient, inclusive, flexible and culturally appropriate.

Bourke’s tough climate called for the use of passive design principles, which aim to increase thermal comfort and reduce operational costs. It’s remote location also called for innovative and efficient construction methodology.