New Zealand’s first net-zero healthcare facility

Designed to holistically enhance patient care and wellbeing, Taranaki Hospital’s new renal unit also packs a big climate-conscious punch.

Our sustainable buildings and buildings services teams delivered a pioneering, energy efficient, low carbon design targeting some exceptional net zero results.   

A 'home away from home' for dialysis patients receiving regular and lengthy treatments, the 806m², accessible and passively orientated building feels more like a clinic or retreat than a hospital.

Featuring ocean views, cultural design elements, and careful consideration of privacy, air quality, natural daylight, acoustic and thermal performance – the unit creates an optimal environment for patient wellbeing and recovery.

Alongside patient wellbeing, sustainability was also a primary design driver. Beca was appointed to assist in formulating a holistic design approach that aligned with the hospital's sustainability aspirations and performance targets - which included a commitment to zero energy.

Working collaboratively with the client and project partners, our integrated approach incorporated energy-efficient design, renewable energy generation, and the use of 95% FSC certified / reclaimed timber.

The building is one of the first in healthcare internationally to target Zero Energy and Zero Carbon Certifications (provided via the International Living Future Institute). This means that the building's timber construction has sequestered a high level of upfront carbon emissions and over a year, net total energy will be neutral.

The project has also delivered quantifiable economic benefit to Te Whatu Ora, with energy cost savings alone equating to a five-year payback on the capital spent to reduce operational carbon.

These extraordinary results signify an important step towards future sustainable healthcare and a decarbonised built environment in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Awards:

• 2023 European Healthcare Design Awards: Healthcare Design (under 25,000sqm) - Category Winner, and Design for Health and Wellness - Highly Commended
• 2023 Property Council New Zealand – Excellence Green Building Property Award
• 2023 Property Council New Zealand – Excellence Civic, Health & Arts Property Award
• 2023 New Zealand Institute of Architects – Western Chapter: Public Architecture Winner
• 2023 Building Nations Impact Awards: Decarbonisation Award Finalist