The natural surroundings of the Randwick and Westmead areas inspire the colourful and textured façades of the new hospital buildings under construction. 

The Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre (SCH1/MCCCC) façade boasts 2,500 panels in 39 different pastel colours, selected to tell the story of the local beach and wetlands. 

While the exterior of the 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) at The Children's Hospital at Westmead (CHW) is inspired by the convergence of three waterways – the Toongabbie Creek, Darling Mills Creek and Parramatta River. 

Both were designed by Billard Leece Partnership (BLP) architects, who emulated the surrounding areas’ natural palette and patterns. 

"Both the façade and interiors are designed around marshlands, rising into dunes, cliffs and skies, and then the pops of colour of the beautiful flowers," said BLP Managing Director, Tara Veldman, of the Randwick design. 

"The way the panels are bent means that the light plays on it differently, as it does with dunes, changing how the façade looks.” 

As for Westmead, BLP Design Lead Ivan Turcinov, said the contemporary and welcoming architecture offers a strong sense of place. 

"The river's significance inspired the form, geometry, materials and colours of the façade," said Mr Turcinov.  

"By using multi-coloured folded metal panels, it mimics the reflective qualities of water and incorporates ripple geometry, playing with light and shadow," said BLP Design Lead Ivan Turcinov. 

A vital part of the process was consultation with Aboriginal community representatives from each area, including Dharug and Bidjigal people. 

Feedback was also received from staff, patients and families to ensure the designs create a sense of wonderment and alleviate stress for children.  

"Our goal is to ignite curiosity, wonder and joy, providing a positive distraction during their hospital stay. Overall, we envision a joyful, fun and colourful children's hospital," said Mr Turcinov.  

"For staff, we hope the building instils a sense of pride and connection with their workplace."    

The new buildings at Randwick and Westmead have been designed to maximise views, natural light and patient amenities, while ensuring privacy for patient rooms.  

They will also include single-patient bedrooms and dedicated carer zones, allowing parents and carers to remain with children while they are in hospital.  

Both buildings reached full height this year and are expected to be complete by the end of 2025. 

(Left to right): The PSB building at Westmead, and the SCH1/MCCCC at Randwick.