billard leece integrate ballarat cancer center with glass tower

combining facilities for cancer therapy and treatment that were previously located disparately across the city, australian firm billard leece partnership has completed the new ballarat regional integrated cancer center in victoria, australia. serving a regional city of 100,000 people and the wider area, the building offers the most up-to-date care in a warm and calming environment. the new structure links the necessary health programs with offices, research, education spaces, community facilities and a wellness center, accommodating for each stage of recovery.

a five storey glass tower with profiled aluminum fins reinvigorates the historic, 100 year old hospital building, which in recent times became derelict. flanking a central atrium space, the new extension is one of the tallest buildings in the city and its distinctive profile and surface patterning changes character throughout the day. the base of the existing building reengages with the community through an open wellness center located at its ground floor.

the new ballarat regional integrated cancer center encases an historic hospital building
image © tony miller | all images courtesy of billard leece partnership

the interior of the atrium draws elements from the streetscape of the city, including bluestone flooring and low height walls for seating and public art — it is where all the activity passing through is visible, making a familiar place for gathering, casual discussion and informal knowledge exchange. changing weather conditions from outside and passers-by become part of the daily activities as they are visible from within. 

the five storey glazed tower changes its character through the day, casting shadows across the façade
image © tony miller

acoustically absorbent natural timbers line the walls and ceilings reducing ambient noise, helping to provide a sense of peace to the space. a careful manipulation of natural light through a a sculpted roof also adds to the patient-friendly environment, with distinctive spaces for morning sun, midday sun (light dappled by northern gardens), and evening light. seeking to create a relaxing, de-institutionalized feel to the center, solid walls are opened up with loose furniture and pendant lighting used to define the separate functions. 

acoustically absorbent natural timbers reduce ambient noise
image © shannon mcgrath

the interior of the atrium draws elements from the streetscape of the city
image © shannon mcgrath

the atrium is a familiar place for gathering, casual discussion and informal knowledge exchange
image © shannon mcgrath

the building offers the most up-to-date care in a warm and calming environment
image © tony miller (left) | image © shannon mcgrath (right)

the center combines the facilities for cancer treatment into one building
image © shannon mcgrath

plan

section

project info:

architects: billard leece partnership
client: ballarat health services/department of health
services engineer: BRT
structural engineer: john mullen & partners
project manager: johnstaff projects
quantity surveyor: slattery australia
building contractor: leighton contractors
total construction cost: $55 million aud
gross floor area: 7,200sqm
completion: 2013
photography: tony miller and shannon mcgrath