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A redevelopment of Burwood Hospital was approved in 2000 to address a number of areas where facilities no longer met current standards and public expectations. The brief required Sheppard & Rout to develop a new main entrance for the hospital and the associated administration facilities in addition to a new main concourse and Orthopaedic ward.

In contrast Christchurch’s central hospital, Burwood Hospital has a sense of space and peace due to its suburban environ and neighbouring pine forest. The architecture responds directly to this condition in its size and bulk but is most evident at the entrance; a series of layered zones of brick and block walls transitions the occupant from the exterior into a hospital environment.

Visitors arrive into a light-filled space which concurrently forms the beginning of the concourse and the new main circulation spine for the hospital. Both public spaces such as this, and private rooms, open onto courtyards to allow intimate connections to the environment which research has proven to be an extremely effective factor in the rehabilitation process for patients. 

Sheppard & Rout Architects
Canterbury
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About the
Professional

We aim to produce humanist architecture comprised of stimulating and inspirational spaces and places.

We are a design-based practice that believes in providing tailor-made solutions to an individual client's needs. The fundamental objective of the practice is to develop architecture that is appropriate to its specific site, wider context and intended use while being robust, flexible and environmentally-aware.

These variables are used along with the appropriate structural considerations to develop buildings with well-suited form and style, instead of approaching the design from a stylistic standpoint.

The practice was established in 1982 in Christchurch by David Sheppard and Jonty Rout. In its 40 years the practice has carried out a wide range of projects covering many types and in numerous geographic locations. The founding partners brought to the practice extensive design and construction experience gained while working with other offices in both New Zealand and overseas. Tim Dagg joined Sheppard & Rout in 1986 and Jasper van der Lingen in 1993 and they both joined David Sheppard as Directors in 2006.

With David Sheppard now retired and Jonty very sadly passed away the practice is led by Directors Jasper van der Lingen and Tim Dagg and three Associate Directors; Matt Gutsell, Jonathan Kennedy and Steven Orr.