The tropical seaside location for Cairns Hospital redevelopment provided a picturesque site for the successful MSJ joint venture with Jackson Architects, Brisbane and Fisher Buttrose Architects, Cairns.
Linking Lake Street and The Esplanade via a landscaped breeze-way to the entrance, the Hospital includes 531 beds, 54 Ambulatory Care Beds and 13 Operating Theatres. Skewed and shaped in form to fit the site, maximise views and define entries, the building is carefully screened to reduce the impact of sun as well as cyclones. Inspired by the yellow white and crimson red of the frangipani, the exterior colours mark the entry, identify spaces and connect with the vibrancy of the interior design.
The new building work seamlessly integrates the renovation and expansion of four existing buildings to provide additional cardiac care facilities, day surgery unit, new specialist clinics and pathology services, an integrated mental health unit, a comprehensive cancer care unit as well as new radiation oncology services.