87HQ Department of Health, Darwin NT

To retain the Northern Territory Department of Health at the current location of 87 Mitchell Street, peckvonhartel worked with the building owner, Grollo Group, to respond to the public tender to bring the Department’s staff together to one location, in a 10,000m2 building that would be part of a revitalised Darwin city centre.

The existing 6,000m2 building was proposed to be transformed and be known as 87HQ, with 4,000m2 added above the existing building to create a landmark building for Darwin with flexible, open and light-filled spaces. The building has been designed to PCA A-Grade, with a 5 Star NABERS Office Energy rating, reducing its environmental impact while delivering ongoing operational savings.

Incorporating an active and more vibrant streetscape with an inviting and welcoming entry, the double-height atrium and internal stairs will enable social interaction between building occupants and visitors, as well as easy access to floors and spaces. The community will have access to services including the ground floor café, community workspaces, artwork displays and landscaped areas.

Flexible spaces throughout the building will facilitate different uses of space by the Department, including collaborative and co-working spaces, large staff hubs and small meeting spaces. Natural daylight, enhanced air circulation and glare control will contribute to a positive environment for building occupants and reflect the Government’s initiatives around employee health and wellbeing.

87HQ has been designed to deliver significant social and economic benefits to the community with an emphasis on local employment and Indigenous participation. The striking façade, incorporating an indigenous motif into the skin will be a welcome addition to the Darwin skyline.