This community mental health space at Barwon Health’s Mental Health Hub in Geelong, integrates biophilic design to create a calm, restorative environment. A full-height green wall, sculptural timber trees, and organic forms provide both visual and tactile connections to nature. Soft transitions, warm timber finishes, and dynamic lighting mimic natural patterns, enhancing comfort and well-being.

Sustainability is central. Situated within an adaptive reuse site, this project reimagines traditional clinical finishes and incorporates natural, durable materials meeting infection-control and anti-ligature standards. The result is a human-centered model of mental health care—where design actively supports healing, dignity, and hope.

By advancing interior design practice with research-driven approaches to biophilic, inclusive and trauma-informed design, this project sets a new benchmark for the future of mental healthcare design.

It contributes to contemporary design practice by responding to the Victorian Royal Commission’s call for reform, transforming traditional mental health settings into spaces that are warm, welcoming, and supportive. Through inclusive, iterative co-design, this community mental health hub allows an internalised environment to feel linked to nature throughout and conducive to emotional and physical wellbeing.

Biophilic design enhances our sense of space and time, weaving nature into every element—from the soft curves of biomorphic forms to the changing play of light and shadow—creating a familiar, calming environment.

Ronan Chee

CHC Project Lead