Delivering specialised engineering to support safe, high-quality mental health care

Gold Coast University Hospital - Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit

Providing safe, high-quality mental health care requires facilities designed with both security and healing in mind. Gold Coast Health and Metro South Health set out to do just that with the new Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) at Gold Coast University Hospital.

Working alongside Besix-Watpac, we played a key role in turning engineering designs into a precisely built, high-performance facility. The two-storey, 40-bed unit features two self-contained wings, an undercroft for parking and secure transport, and a secure corridor linking directly to the main hospital. To support durability and efficiency, we incorporated precast concrete walls for rapid installation, post-tensioned slabs for structural flexibility, and a steel-framed roof to achieve long-term resilience.

One critical challenge for the project involved connecting the new facility to the hospital’s existing chilled water ring main system without disrupting essential services. Our mechanical team conducted a detailed assessment, developing a connection strategy to integrate the SMHRU’s HVAC system into the network. Through careful planning and execution, we delivered energy-efficient solutions while maintaining a cohesive design within the broader hospital setting.

Our long-standing relationship with Gold Coast Health has given us deep insight into their evolving needs, allowing us to tailor engineering solutions that align with their healthcare strategy.

Today, the SMHRU offers a carefully planned environment that supports recovery while integrating with the hospital’s broader services.