Selected Project
St Josephs Hospital
This new community general medical and surgical hospital is just completed on the Tokelau atoll of Nukunonu, and was funded by New Zealand as part of the Government of Tokelau Infastructure Development Programme IDP. The two storey hospital is constructed to cyclone proof standards and is designed to also serve as a community refuge in storms and tidal surge conditions which often impact on the 4m max elevation motu. Tropical heat at 12 degrees S of the equator makes it essential that passive solar gain is minimised. Solution includes orientation of widest elevations to the ocean and lagoon through gaps in the coconut tree canopies, widespread use of louvres, stack ventilation via roof voids and wide eaves. Natural ventilation purges the concrete structural mass and basement water tanks at night. The only spaces mechanically cooled are the maternity suite and the operating theatre suite on the upper floor of the main block. Tokelau has recently moved to replace diesel generated electricity with PV generation. Whilst retaining its new standby generator St Josephs hospital has roofs and battery house intended for this purpose www.aonui.co.nz
- Category
- Education
- Location
- Wellington
- Year
- 2013
