Nature-space recognised for construction excellence.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Nature-space recognised for construction excellence.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
The 2024 Master Builders WA Excellence in Construction Awards has bestowed top honours on Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja.
We’re incredibly proud to announce that the Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja nature-space has been recognised with the Best Public Use Building award in the $1.5 million-$5 million category at the Excellence in Construction Awards.
The award – won by WA-based building company CDI Group – recognises the exceptional quality of the structure’s construction, alongside project management, problem solving, value for money, innovation, and site management.
Located at the base of the PCHF-funded Kids’ Bridge on the QEII Medical Centre campus, the $4 million nature-space was officially opened in late February 2024 by WA Premier the Hon. Roger Cook, PCHF Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott, and Soft Earth Cultural Advisor, Barry McGuire.
The innovative space was created by CDI Group and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) and designed by Hassell. The project was funded by PCHF and founding partner Rio Tinto, with significant support from BIG W.
Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja features several innovative elements, including a laser-cut iron cockatoo and crow, sequenced coloured lighting, accessible discovery path with integrated patterns and textures, public art and animal sculptures, a structural steel snakeskin arbour, a sand play area and sheltered resting areas.
CDI Group owner and Managing Director Garry Wright said: “We knew this was more than just a construction project from the outset and the recognition at the 2024 Master Builders WA Excellence in Construction Awards underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also foster healing and joy for those who need it most.”
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and partners who helped to turn this project from a dream, into a reality. Their hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in transforming what was a simple patch of grass into a healing nature-space at the QEII Medical Centre, which is set to benefit WA’s sick kids and their families along with staff and visitors for generations to come.”
Hassell Principal, Anthony Brookfield, says the team are thrilled the project has been recognised at the awards and highlights the passion and dedication of all involved.
“As the park matures, with the trees filling out and the flowers blooming, Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja will become an even more vibrant and culturally rich sanctuary for all to experience. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of the team, and we’re excited to see the lasting impact this space will have on the community.”
Partners and contractors involved in bringing the project to life include Soft Earth, BGIS, Deep Green Landscaping, Apparatus Art Culture, Living Iron, Initech Solution, DJ Blackburn Plumbing and Gas, Scape-ism, Bigspoon, Redspear, Norman Disney Young, Structerre Consulting, Plantrite and The Arbor Centre.
Waalbiirniny Waabiny Boodja also includes accessible play equipment and showcases a diverse range of native plants from Kings Park, including banksia and eucalyptus, as well as native shrubs, grasses, groundcovers, mallees, and flowering plants. It is designed to provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for patients and their families, promoting healing and wellbeing.
For more information visit pchf.org.au/greenspace-upgrade/
