Courtyard offers ‘natural’ respite and marked distraction

The spaces within Rockhampton Hospital are designed as sub-tropical areas that fit within, and capture the essence of the Rockhampton locality. The main courtyard encapsulates this character and seeks to create an area of ‘natural’ respite – a necessary contrast to the internal treatment suites of the hospital. Key elements of the courtyard include: timber deck 'clearings' offering seating and gathering opportunities; a monoculture of Tree Ferns; and, lush/subtropical low understorey planting (complying with CPTED requirements). A sunken pavement with additional seating and gathering areas also discreetly accommodates overland flow requirements through the courtyard. Other areas included within the scope are the main entry, internal driveway, carpark and planting refurbishments to the surrounds of existing buildings.