The Sub Acute Mental Health Unit at Shoalhaven Hospital provides a 20 bed Sub Acute Adult Mental Health service, in a unit that caters for mixed gender clients aged between 18 and 65. The design intent is to provide a building with a scale and character that relates to the existing recent buildings on the campus while achieving a domestic light filled interior. The location of the facility, on the North Eastern edge of the Campus and the elevated nature of the building provides opportunities for extensive tree canopy and distant views without compromising the privacy of patients.

Retention of a significant cluster of mature spotted gums was an essential objective. The living and dining areas have been located to provide an out look over these trees with the bedrooms radiating from this central location and secure nurse station in a form that ensures excellent overview of all the circulation spaces while maintaining patient privacy. A central courtyard and perimeter winter garden provide secure spaces for external activities and a connection to the environment.