Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Primary Health Care

Hames Sharley designed a facility that combines its use as a place for the community and of healing. The building was inspired by an uplifting sense of being, expressed in an ambitious and unapologetic Queensland style. The building is significant in its suburban context, yet the use of materials and somewhat informal composition seek to imbue a sense of humility and avoids an institutional feel.

One of the key objectives was to take advantage of the surrounding natural environment. In this regard, Hames Sharley sought to maximise the number of spaces that had a physical or visual connection to the outdoors. Hames Sharley understands that the community has a strong connection to their environment. The main building entrance addresses the community facilities to the south-east while the waiting space is filled with natural light and spills out onto a landscaped courtyard. Staff circulation, breakout and respite areas are provided in the form of an external verandah that overlooks parkland. Consult rooms are located along north and south facing external walls and glazed openings feature at the ends of internal corridors. The Centre of Excellence will serve as a point of interaction on Indigenous primary health care, training and research among higher education institutions, governments, industry and the private sector.