Project Overview

Nestled in the heart of Whittlesea, Neami Whittlesea's Mental Health and Wellbeing Local stands as a sanctuary of care and support. This space, deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of the region, serves as a haven for all who seek solace and community.

At the core of the design are advanced safety measures thoughtfully integrated to ensure security without compromising the welcoming atmosphere.

The inclusion of multilingual murals and the artistry of Peter Hood, an Indigenous Kurnai artist, brings the walls to life, celebrating the diverse stories and heritage of the community.

Every design choice, from the soothing colors to the natural light that fills the space, is made with holistic wellness in mind. This is not merely a building; it is proof of the power of inclusive design, a place where everyone can find peace and support, a true reflection of community spirit and care.

Project Commissioner

Neami National

Project Creator

Merit Interiors

Project Brief

The brief challenged us to create a pioneering sanctuary that blends cultural inclusivity, advanced safety, and environmental harmony. Rising to this challenge, we crafted a space that embodies Merit’s commitment to nurturing well-being and supporting the community.

Central to the design are innovative safety features like comprehensive safety zoning, secure doors, and advanced access control. It was important that these elements were harmoniously integrated, providing a discreet yet effective safety net.

Cultural inclusivity is woven into the very fabric of the building. Our collaboration with Peter Hood, whose Indigenous artwork graces the space, infuses the facility with a profound sense of place and identity. Multilingual murals further enrich the environment, welcoming all community members with open arms.

Rejecting the cold, clinical aesthetics of traditional mental health facilities, the design embraces warmth and inclusivity. Calming colors and natural light create an atmosphere that feels more like a home, fostering a sense of comfort and belonging. This innovative approach sets a new benchmark for mental health facilities, emphasizing holistic wellness and community support.

Project Innovation/Need

The overall brief charted a path that seamlessly blended innovation with cultural inclusivity, advanced safety, and environmental harmony. This vision reimagined what a mental health facility could be, creating a space that feels both secure and nurturing.

A standout feature is our collaboration with Kurnai artist, Peter Hood. Peter’s artwork adds cultural richness and a profound sense of connection, respecting the Indigenous heritage and adding a deep community feel to the overall environment.

The safety zoning, secure doors, and access control systems reflect innovative additions to the overall project. Each safety control system is complemented by audible technology to ensure doors remain closed.

To steer clear of sterile facility norms, the design embraces a homely, comforting atmosphere using soothing colors and natural light to create a welcoming environment that supports wellness. This is a unique difference that sets the Neami Whittlesea project apart, positioning it as a leader in the mental health and wellbeing sector, and establishing new standards for inclusive, supportive environments.

Design Challenge

The challenge was balancing stringent safety standards with creating a warm, inviting space, requiring inventive solutions and thorough planning. Material selection was nuanced, combining form and function to ensure elements like duress buttons and anti-ligature fixtures did not disrupt the comforting ambiance. Striking this balance was vital to craft a sanctuary exuding safety while welcoming all who enter.

Understanding and respecting the community's rich cultural fabric was another cornerstone. Collaborating with Peter Hood involved weaving cultural narratives into the facility's design, creating a space that deeply resonates with its guests.

Timing played a crucial role, with precise coordination and clear communication needed for design, safety features, and cultural integration. Each milestone reflected our dedication to meeting the community's immediate and long-term needs.

Challenging traditional mental health facility norms, our design embraced warmth and inclusivity, moving away from stark white walls and harsh surfaces to soothing hues and natural light. The result is a space that feels less like a clinic and more like a home, offering peace and support.

Overcoming these challenges has set a new benchmark. The result is a harmonious blend of safety, inclusivity, and cultural respect, offering a sanctuary that nurtures the well-being of its community.

Sustainability

Our approach to sustainability was comprehensive, focusing on local sourcing, material reuse, and minimizing the carbon footprint, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability.

From the outset, we prioritized engaging local trades and suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and support the community’s economy. This approach not only minimized our carbon footprint but increased local employment and strengthened community ties.
We implemented rigorous waste management practices, emphasizing the reuse and recycling of materials wherever possible. We selected the flooring and finishes to ensure low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contributed to healthier indoor air quality and a more environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Energy efficiency was a key focus, with the integration of energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, along with the use of a carbon reduction calculator to monitor and minimize the project’s carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. Water-efficient fixtures were also installed to reduce water consumption, aligning with our sustainability goals.

Our design philosophy embraced the ethos of "less is more," emphasizing minimalistic and efficient use of resources while maintaining aesthetic and functional quality. This principle extended to our selection of materials and construction methods, ensuring that each choice contributed towards a sustainable outcome.

Overall, our commitment to sustainability resonated in every aspect of the project, from planning to execution, resulting in a space that not only met the needs of its guests but also left a positive environmental legacy for today and the future.