Architectural design solutions for accessibility problems.
cohealth is a community health organisation who provides community health services, advocates for health and social equity, undertakes research and develops health promotion initiatives.
Recently the Kensington dental and medical centres were upgraded to improve accessibility for its aging population and to ensure better access to critical health services. The two buildings have undergone substantial upgrades, addressing both external and internal accessibility challenges whilst ensuring compliance with the relevant Australian Standards (AS 1428.1:2009).
Architecture & Access was appointed by cohealth as the architect to design accessible solutions for an existing and functioning community health provider.
Project overview:
The site previously housed three residential buildings that have since been amalgamated into two. cohealth’s aim was to enhance the existing dental clinic and allied health facilities with accessible features that accommodate the diverse needs of their community, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Key challenges:
- Multiple internal level splits: Both buildings have internal level variations, requiring significant changes to improve accessibility, particularly in areas with multiple ramps and stairs.
- Limited space at doorways: Many internal doorways either lack circulation spaces or have level differences, which constrain movement and make accessibility difficult, particularly for people with disabilities.
Architectural solutions and upgrades:
The following upgrades were implemented to enhance accessibility and meet compliance requirements:
Dental Clinic:
- External ramp – A new accessible ramp, featuring compliant Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs), nosings, and handrails, was built to meet the standards outlined in AS 1428.1:2009.
- Improved visual amenity – The entrance area was enhanced with new landscaping, improving the building’s appearance and creating a more welcoming environment.
- Signage – Signage was placed strategically to aid navigation and improve accessibility awareness.
Allied Health:
- Accessible ramp and stairs – An accessible external ramp and a new set of stairs, both equipped with TGSIs, nosings, and handrails, were installed to improve access to the building, adhering to the standards of AS 1428.1:2009.
- Landscaping – New landscaping elements were added to soften the entrance and improve the overall visual appeal of the building.
- Internal refurbishment – Several key areas were refurbished to improve accessibility:
- Reception and waiting rooms – Accessible design improvements to ensure ease of movement for all users.
- Consultation and treatment rooms – Significant upgrades were made to physiotherapy, podiatry, and other clinical spaces to improve accessibility. The podiatry room, in particular, was a highlight, featuring an accessible ramp and increased entry door width.
- Internal ramps and stairs – Existing internal ramps and stairs were upgraded to meet compliance standards.
- Sanitary facilities – New, all-gender and ambulant toilets were installed, ensuring full accessibility.
Key access components:
Given the constraints of working within existing buildings with established structural layouts, special attention was paid to ensure that new access provisions did not interfere with the original design while still meeting the necessary compliance requirements. The presence of multiple level splits and limited space at doorways posed significant challenges, but with careful planning and collaboration with experienced access consultants, these issues were successfully addressed.
Final outcomes:
- Enhanced access – The project has significantly improved the accessibility of both buildings, ensuring all areas are reachable for people with various mobility needs.
- Compliance – All upgrades adhere to the relevant Australian Standards (AS 1428.1:2009) and National Construction Code (NCC) performance requirements.
- Safe and functional spaces – Beyond meeting compliance, the design prioritised creating safe, functional, and equitable access for all users, from patients to healthcare providers.
The collaboration between cohealth, the architects and access consultants at Architecture & Access ensured that the final design provided an equitable access throughout the building, supporting the overall goal of better health service delivery to the local community. This project is a model for how healthcare facilities can improve even their existing infrastructure to meet the needs of an aging and diverse population.
