The hubs are complemented by patterned upholstery featuring Marrunga Yubaa Sweet Rain Original by Lizzy Stageman, adding another layer of story and connection to Country within the wider interior palette.
WA’s First 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Centre
Fremantle Hospital MHU
As WA’s first 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Centre, this $88.1 million expansion delivers 40 additional beds and a purpose-built alternative to the emergency department, reshaping how Western Australians access specialist mental health care.
The Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Unit represents a significant step forward in mental healthcare for Western Australia. The $88.1 million expansion delivers 40 additional mental health beds and WA’s first 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Centre, providing a dedicated alternative to the traditional emergency department for people experiencing mental health distress.
Spanning more than 4,500m² across three floor plates, the facility brings together secure and open adult care, specialist older adult and neurobehavioural services, neurostimulation therapy and crisis care. Mental health environments require careful consideration of safety, observation and operational control, but these requirements do not need to define how a space feels.
Mental health environments require careful consideration of safety, observation and operational control, but these requirements do not need to define how a space feels. Biophilic design principles informed the interior response, using organic forms, natural references, colour, texture and materiality to create a more restorative environment. Curved geometries and softer visual elements deliberately move away from
the institutional character traditionally associated with secure mental health settings. Central to this approach was the project’s model of care and its emphasis on human connection. Through co-design and consultation with the project user group, spaces were developed to support interaction between staff and consumers while maintaining the safety, privacy and functionality required within each ward.
The facility brings together a diverse range of mental health environments, each designed around different levels of care, independence and clinical need. A 20-bed secure ward, 10-bed open adult ward and 10-bed neurobehavioural unit for older adults are supported by communal areas, sensory rooms and spaces for retreat. Outdoor areas are integral to the model of care, providing protected access to fresh air, daylight and nature while maintaining the safety, security and observation requirements of each ward.
These spaces extend the biophilic approach beyond the interior, creating opportunities for movement, respite and reflection as part of everyday experience. The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Centre provides a dedicated point of entry for people experiencing mental health distress, while the neurostimulation unit accommodates specialist treatment. Across the wards, Collaboration Hubs and shared spaces encourage informal interaction between staff and consumers, balancing clinical function and protection with connection and wellbeing.
This philosophy is particularly evident in two purpose-designed elements developed by Hunt Architects: the Mental Health Basins and Collaboration Hubs.
The custom Corian® basins integrate the bowl, bench, shelving and concealed plumbing into one form. Smooth transitions and vandal-resistant detailing address ligature and tampering risks, while AS 1428.1 compliance, hygiene, durability and accessibility are incorporated without creating an institutional fixture.
Following prototyping, the basin design has subsequently been applied at Royal Perth Hospital Ward 2K and Bentley Hospital – demonstrating its adaptability across different mental health settings.
At a larger scale, the Corian® Collaboration Hubs transform the conventional staff workstation into a more open social element. Flowing forms incorporate staff functions, accessible seating and informal points of interaction, helping reduce the physical sense of separation between staff and consumers.
