LGH Paediatric Inpatient Unit

Client: Department of Health
Architect: Philp Lighton Architects
Builder: Fairbrother Pty Ltd
Structural & Civil Engineer: Collective Consulting
Key Personnel: Alan Leake (Principal Structural Engineer), Jarred Allen (Structural Engineer), Darren Bosveld (Draftsman)
Completion: 2020
Value: $25 million

Project Overview

The Paediatric Inpatient Unit (PIU) 
expands Launceston General Hospital’s
capacity to deliver specialist paediatric
services. 
Collective Consulting provided complete 
structural and civil engineering services
 from feasibility through construction for
 the five-storey facility (with basement), connected to the existing hospital by a
glazed pedestrian bridge at Level 5.

Engineering Challenge

• Foundations: Deep borehole investigations confirmed a shallow pad and strip footing system would provide the best balance between performance and cost, replacing more expensive bored piers.
• Superstructure: A combination of precast concrete columns and walls, in-situ post-tensioned banded slabs (Bondek formwork), and reinforced beams created large open plan serviceable floor plates.
• Integration: The bridge connection at Level 5 required sliding joints to accommodate thermal movement and minimise horizontal deflection.
• Civil design: Upgrades to fire service mains, drainage, and site grading ensured compliance with current standards while maintaining operation of adjacent facilities.

Integrated Structure and Civil Design

Working closely with Fairbrother and the Department of Health, Collective Consulting supported the construction process through ongoing technical review and on-site inspection.

The team coordinated structural interfaces with existing hospital buildings and resolved design modifications arising from adjacent plant room works to ensure continuity

The new PIU provides a durable, future-ready platform for paediatric care.

Its efficient use of materials, foundation optimisation, and integration with existing infrastructure reduced carbon intensity and construction waste.

Future levels can be fitted out without major structural alteration, extending the building’s functional life.

Key Outcomes

• Cost-efficient foundation system validated through in-situ testing
• Seamless bridge connection between new and existing hospital buildings
• Civil and structural integration within a live hospital environment
• Flexible future fit-out capability
• Delivery of a modern, safe, and efficient healthcare facility for Tasmania