The Akaroa Health Hub re-establishes vital healthcare services to the community after the closure of the former hospital following the 2011 earthquakes. Our structural and civil engineers delivered efficient design solutions for the Akaroa site. The facility includes three doctors’ surgeries, a procedure room, overnight/palliative care for up to four people, and an eight-bed aged-care wing, providing essential primary and residential care services.

We designed for the natural contour of the sloped site. The main east–west structure is broken into smaller north–south wings, reducing the perceived footprint and enabling efficient load paths and foundation systems.

With over $1 million raised by the community, cost efficiency was a critical driver for this project. The structural system was intentionally kept simple, robust, and material-efficient, reducing steel tonnage, simplifying connections, and ensuring rapid on-site construction. Our engineering teams worked closely with the design team to create solutions that were practical, buildable, and suited to the remote location and sloping terrain.

The completed Akaroa Health Hub is a community-built and community-backed project, a vital facility that restores local healthcare services while honouring Akaroa’s history, character, and spirit.