Daryl Jackson Robin Dyke Architects

NEWS
"The Poche Centre", Melanoma Institute Australia's new home was opened by Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of NSW on March 24th 2010. The Justinian House redevelopment, to be known as The Poche Centre, is a three-level medical research and treatment facility. At approx. 3500 sqm, the form and architecture of the Poche centre has been designed to respond sympathetically to the existing character of the area, streetscape and surrounding medical and residential developments. The material palette selected creates a distinct and identifiable presence for the Melanoma Institute Australia.

Deliberately designed not to create a ‘clinical’, institutional or commercial presence, the facility is structured around a central landscaped courtyard. The planning responds to issues of organisational communication and connectivity, creating clear circulation patterns, eliminating the perception of isolated zones of the building, and providing important, light-filled public spaces for reflection, relaxation and outlook.

The new facility has been designed to minimise its impact on the environment by maximising natural light while minimising solar heat gains. Rainwater is harvested and reused, while mixed mode ventilation and displacement air conditioning strategies reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of air and light to internal spaces. Together with responsible consideration of material, transport, ecology and innovation, the Poche Centre has been designed to achieve a minimum four star Green Star rating under the system developed by the Green Building Council of Australia