LANDSCAPE WITH A HEALING EDGE

The largest regional hospital in Victoria, Bendigo Hospital is a world-class facility incorporating the latest in design and technology solutions for advanced medical care. Begun in 2013, Stage 1 of the construction of the new hospital facilities was completed in early 2017. Stage 2 is scheduled for completion in mid-2018.

With a capacity to service 372 inpatient beds, 72 same-day beds, 11 new operating theatres, an integrated cancer centre and an 80-bed psychiatry services facility, together with short-stay accommodation units, conference facility and retail shops and cafes, Bendigo Hospital caters to a high volume of patients, staff and visitors.

Understanding the value of beautifully landscaped spaces, the hospital greenspace – originally schedule for Stage 2 construction – was fast-tracked for early completion in 2017. Opened more than a year ahead of schedule, Bendigo Health Chair, Bob Cameron, said that Exemplar Health decided to open the garden early because they saw the value in providing a lovely landscaped place for patients and staff.

Creating a tranquil and caring environment that supports the wellbeing of staff and promotes recovery and healing in patients, the new hospital garden is equipped with casual seating areas, a variety of lush plantlife and hardscaped spaces that are easily accessible to people of all abilities. Artworks commissioned by Exemplar Health, with the assistance of Bendigo Art Gallery, will also be incorporated into the space.

Works on the garden began in late 2016 and were predominantly completed by early 2017, with final works completed recently. A walkway between the new hospital and the original facility was completed as part of the garden scheme, providing a connection between the buildings that delivers cohesion to the site and aids in disability-friendly access to all health services.

Looking for a product that was easy to install, would add aesthetic appeal to the project and stand the test of time, architects for the project specified Formboss™ metal edging. A complete edging solution, Formboss™ is a flexible product that can be used to create clean borders, raised garden beds or neatly carved paths. Straight lines, curves or angles, Formboss™ can handle it all!

Available in a range of profile heights and three different finishes – galvanised steel, rustic ‘corten’ steel and ZAM™ edging – Formboss™ ensures professional results in any landscape design.

What sets FormBoss™ apart from other edging systems is its unparalleled ease of installation. The rolled top lip allows for seamless connectivity between lengths, so you can easily create edges in straight lines or sweeping curves with little-to-no experience, and all fixings are completely concealed.

To create the ‘natural’ yet contemporary look of the Bendigo Hosptial gardens, over 1100 linear metres of Formboss™ edging was utilised in flush ZAM™ 150 x 2mm profile and retaining ‘corten’ 290/390/590 x 2mm profile.

Contracted works on the new greenspace were undertaken by Ace Landscaping Services. Appreciating the easy of instalment and procurement Formboss™ offered the job, Project Engineer Josh Naughton noted the client was very happy with the final results.

The new garden opened up the area in front of the hospital and allowed visitors to understand the vision of the precinct between the new and old buildings,” said acting CEO, Peter Faulkner.

In 2017, the Bendigo Hospital project was shortlisted for a landscaping award.

For more information on FormBoss™ metal garden edging visit their website. 

Images courtesy of Ace Landscaping Services