MOUNT BARKER AMBULANCE STATION

SKETCH DESIGN / DESIGN DEVELOPMENT / CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION. GREENWAY ARCHITECTS 2024. PROJECT VALUE $8.5M

The continuing rapid population rise of Mount Barker highlighted the increasing demand for health services in the area.  Enter, the new Mount Barker Ambulance Station, built in bold but simple forms, of robust materials, and rooted to its context by the local bluestone wall that faces Bald Hills Road.  Its entry gate references the Indigenous history of the region, with nearby Mount Barker Summit believed to be one of the most sacred Aboriginal sites near Adelaide.

This station fulfills the specific needs of the SA Ambulance Service by providing a fit-for-purpose, state-of-the-art facility to service the surrounding district.  It preferences operational efficiency in both response times and in-house effectiveness and provides calm and respite when time allows.

The rural nature of the site was a driver in the design process, both in form with references to the barn, and material selection with a nod to the stone of buildings past.

Accommodation is provided for up to three crews and garaging for six emergency operational vehicles.  It aligns with the SA Health Strategic Plan objectives of strengthening primary health care and enhancing hospital care.

The station is opposite the extensive Laratinga Wetlands which cover a total area of 16.7 ha.  The site itself is quite sloped naturally, with a drop of approx. 5.5m from the eastern most corner to the western most corner and siting of the building aimed to accommodate this slope as much as possible while providing level access for ambulance activities.  There are extensive stormwater mitigation methods in place to accommodate this slope and Council’s rigorous requirements.  The site evokes its rural setting.  It faces north-west to Bald Hills Road, leaving its long face of most-used rooms to the north-east.  Training rooms, office, workstations, study, kitchen/dining and crew room all enjoy the morning and early afternoon winter sun.

The building parts are differentiated by their external materials; the station with the bluestone feature wall and light coloured steel cladding, and the ambulance bays in darker shades.  Texture changes across vertical and horizontal ribs and flat panels augment visual interest.  The outdoor staff space features a Vergola, offering all-weather protection year-round,

Internally, the vibe is calm, with soft natural tones throughout providing comfort and respite in the quieter moments. 

The new Mount Barker Ambulance Station provides the facilities that allow the SA Ambulance Service to do what it does best; care for the people in its orbit.