St Joseph's Hospital
By Aonui Architecture
Climate change as well as better health care for the people of Tokelau drove this NZAid project design by Aonui in conjunction with CPG engineering consultancy. Tokelau is one of several Pacific nations seriously threatened by the 0.75m sea level rise predicted in this century.
The concrete-framed community medical centre on Nukononu atoll combines out patient consultation, pharmacy, maternity, and surgical facilities. It has a large storage tank as its ground floor foundation but is still, like the rest of Tokelau, only 3m above mean sea level. Recurrent cyclones wash storm surges right across the atoll and so the most valuable equipment and records are located on the upper floor along with ample space for community refuge.
Nukunonu atoll is just 10° S of the equator. The roof contains PV cells to augment power generation on the site. The design utilises passive solar cooling – all concrete structure is sheltered from direct sun through the hottest part of the day by large eaves so the night time trade wind cooling effect is harnessed for daytime heat sink effect.
St Josephs is the first of three planned medical facilities in Tokelau. Atafu and Fakaofa atolls – each 4 hours by ship apart and with no air services available – will both have similar hospitals.
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St Joseph's Hospital
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Aonui Architecture is a New Zealand Institute of Architects registered practice with a principal who is a Registered Architect listed with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). We were founded in 2003 by Richard Wright with the express purpose of providing architectural services that are focused on resilient design in general and low energy consumption, low carbon footprint building construction and smart building management systems in particular.
The practice now has a portfolio of completed sustainable design projects of all types throughout New Zealand and the Pacific and uses its accumulated data and experience to deliver increasingly efficient low-impact buildings for clients who have a shared commitment to smarter, warmer, drier, healthier accommodation being part of their future. We continue to work with the most enlightened and proactive consultants, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors to bring the goals of net zero energy consumption and carbon neutral building nearer to reality with every new completed project.
Our architecture seeks to capture the dreams of our clients, the spirit of their often enchanting sites and the joy of beautiful spaces in truly responsive buildings that will always be capable of nurturing and inspiring their occupants and owners.
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