Palmerston North Mental Health
The Palmerston North Mental Health Unit project involved the planning and delivery of a purpose‑built, contemporary mental health facility on the Palmerston North Hospital campus. The project replaces an outdated facility with a modern unit designed to provide a safe, therapeutic, and dignified environment that supports recovery and wellbeing.
The facility has been designed to support modern models of acute mental health care, with an emphasis on clear functional relationships, safe and efficient clinical workflows, and access to natural light, outdoor spaces, and calming internal environments.
The unit accommodates 28 single bedrooms, alongside therapy spaces, shared areas, and secure landscaped courtyards, contributing to a supportive setting for consumers, staff, and visitors.
A strong focus on long‑term adaptability and durability underpins the design, ensuring the facility can respond to evolving service needs over time.
Natural materials, biophilic design principles, and a calm architectural expression were integral to creating a high‑quality mental health environment that supports wellbeing while integrating seamlessly with the wider hospital campus.
