MHSKY Facility at Western Hospital Victoria

MHSKY is the acronym for Mental Health Services for Kids and Youth. It was a unique project as it involved the design of a purpose built facility with a 12 bed adolescent wing for children 12-18, and a separate 16 bed for youth over 18. Shared services and a central entry were required, with access back to the existing hospital for support services. The inpatient unit was built over an existing carpark at Western Hospital, Footscray, an acute hospital. The unit was designed with similar wings, housing mainly single beds with single ensuites, and a large lounge/dining facility of double height ceilings. The main spine of the facility has high level clearstorey windows in verying heights, allowing natural light to penetrate into the heart of the building.  The next stage was the Outpatient Building now known as ORYGEN. This building was designed with a gym, consulting rooms and activity areas for outpatients to use as therapy. It also provided office accommodation for allied health professionals and research and education. A two level building was designed in the same manner as the inpatient building, with a dramatic interior that is vibrant again in its use of colour.