The MacMurray Centre is a new medical facility for a private endoscopy practice located within the Remuera medical precinct in Auckland.

The design solution promotes a patient journey that is relaxed and calming by providing access to views, filtered light and natural finishes with strong references to the natural environment. Maximising orientation by way of a double-height space allows patients and visitors a common point of reference and provides clear indications of movement with a generous stairway leading from the main arrival and waiting space. The expansive foyer and waiting room spaces have been designed to provide calm distraction and reassuring protection.

The garden adjacent to the ground floor waiting room provides the perfect focal point from the entry, the stairway and the first level mezzanine, complimented by generous access to views via the large, glazed wall to the north.

Sustainably-sourced building materials were specified from the western-red cedar, through to key design moves such as the dramatic cantilevered canopy which provides shading to the double-height glazed façade. LED light fixtures are used throughout, double glazing and ESD services wrap up this facility. The selection of materials was important with warm timber materiality to both interior and exterior areas of the front and more utilitarian and functional materials to the rear.

Ten recovery beds and several recovery chairs enable a transitioned exit with private conversations accommodated in one of three post-operation rooms. Recovery rooms face easterly back towards Mount Hobson with the added provision of bedrooms where discharged patients can stay if/when required. An infusion room offers the opportunity for diversity of medical offerings, while a Medical Room can accommodate for specialist requirements (including VIPs). Staff are afforded an outward-focused retreat, off the beaten track, which allows for quiet time and reflection between procedures. A leader in its field, MacMurray Medical Centre gives equal emphasis to procedure and human experience.

Lighting: ECC. Finishes: Rosenfield Kidson. Fittings & Fixtures: Metrix.

Photography: Jono Parker