MAAP’s concept design for the Tairawhiti DHB Mental Health Facility has been developed in collaboration with Chow:Hill and Tamaki Makaurau Office Architecture (TOA) and informs the DHB’s business case for the development. The project has been developed following a whānau and community co-design approach.

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Workshops with the user group and key stakeholders were undertaken to consider site selection and key aspirations for the future facility. The design team followed a Kaupapa Maori Design approach to identify and incorporate key cultural narratives and values into the design, with dedicated spaces supporting Maori concepts of healing.

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The design reflects key aspects of the Tairawhiti DHB Services Plan and future models of care. It is well suited to the application of green design principles. A layout of relatively narrow blocks separated by courtyards allows for deep penetration of natural light and ventilation as well as solar radiation, particularly during winter.