Client
SA Health
Southern Adelaide Local Health Network
Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Noarlunga Hospital Mental Health Unit
Health and Wellness
Collaborators
Wiltshire Swain Architects
GHD
Aurecon
Mossop Construction
Adelaide Innovative Landscaping
Glen Romanis
Disciplines
Landscape Architecture
Location
Noarlunga Centre, SA
Date
2025
Imagery
Dan Schultz
The $74 million Noarlunga Hospital Upgrade represents the most significant expansion in the facility’s history, designed to deliver modern, patient-centred care.
The landscape design for the 24-bed Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit and 24-bed General Medicine Ward delivers therapeutic outdoor environments that promote healing, wellbeing, and connection.
Grounded in evidence-based design, these spaces support recovery through sensory engagement, access to nature, and opportunities for social interaction or quiet reflection. The landscapes are inclusive, safe, and restorative, tailored to the diverse needs of mental health and general medicine consumers.
By integrating greenery, shade, movement, and comfort, the design fosters resilience and complements clinical care, enhancing the overall consumer, staff, and visitor experience.
Healing through nature and therapeutic gardens plays a vital role in the mental health recovery journey: supporting stress reduction and emotional regulation, restoration and cognitive recovery, sense of control and autonomy through self-guided exploration, supporting daily routines, and creating a non-stigmatising environment.
Tract’s recovery-oriented landscapes support mental health rehabilitation through thoughtful design that prioritises privacy, natural light and connection to nature. Green views, seasonal planting, and sensory-rich gardens reduce feelings of containment and promote wellbeing. The landscape and architectural design work together to locate gardens close to bedrooms, lounges, and activity spaces and encourage daily engagement with nature.
The landscape design embraces a palette of local and native plant species, contributing to a restorative and calming setting. The project has introduced 210 new trees and over 14,000 plants, enhancing biodiversity and supporting therapeutic outcomes through connection to the natural environment.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) strategies have been integrated throughout the carpark and prominently feature in the large swale that meanders along the entry driveway, enhancing both stormwater management and landscape amenity.
Using familiar textures, colours, and natural materials, the gardens offer calming, sensory-rich spaces. Inspired by local native plants, animals, and cultural heritage, they foster connection to nature and community – creating a safe, restorative place for healing and belonging. Local sandstone has been showcased through low retaining and seating walls that circle the entry gathering space and weave through the internal courtyards. Careful assessment and layout has allowed a selection of existing native trees to be retained within the main courtyard and views through to the bushland backdrop. A series of four sculptures inspired by the natural materials and native flora and fauna of the Noarlunga region were commissioned from sculptural artists Glen Romanis and Mark Trinham.
Each piece highlights a distinct species, celebrating the ecological character of the area and the native flora and fauna of Kaurna Country.
The featured subjects include:
- Kennedia prostrata (Running Postman)
- Acacia species (Wattle)
- Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum)
- Echidna
These sculptures serve as a creative interpretation of the local landscape, fostering a deeper connection between the community and its natural environment.
Outdoor areas have been designed for both communal activity and individual solace, with flexible spaces to accommodate diverse needs and identities. Thoughtful management ensures safety and comfort for vulnerable users – across age, gender, and situation – fostering dignity and inclusion. The design creates strong links between indoor and outdoor space.
Accessible garden spaces support walking, relaxation, and recreational activities like table tennis, basketball, gardening and barbecuing. These purposeful links promote movement, social interaction, and wellbeing – integral to therapeutic and rehabilitation outcomes.
The landscape creates homelike, human-scaled spaces that feel safe and familiar. Designed to support daily routines, privacy, and relaxation, they include sensory gardens, welcoming entries, and spaces for socialising with others or quiet retreat. Thoughtful landscape screening fosters a sense of calm, privacy, and respect, helping consumers feel safe, supported, and a sense of dignity throughout their healing journey.
With seamless paths, varied seating, and clear sightlines, consumers and families can enjoy outdoor spaces that support healing, comfort, and connection. The spaces have been carefully developed in alignment with universal design principles to facilitate ease of access and use, and promote dignity, inclusion, and wellbeing across diverse physical and emotional needs.
Spaces have been designed to be simple and intuitive, supporting all users regardless of ability or focus. Clear sightlines, wayfinding, and sensory-rich materials promote calm and orientation. Integrated outdoor spaces encourage movement, connection, and therapeutic engagement, creating safe, welcoming environments that aid recovery and wellbeing.
The latest
Doug Jennings Park Revitalisation
Doug Jennings Park Revitalisation
227 Napier Street
227 Napier Street
Ballarat Major Sports Precinct