Waminda Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre

Direct Client South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD)
Architect Papesch
Sectors
- Health
Services
- Acoustics
- Facades
Value $45M
Year 2031
Location
- Sydney

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The Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre in Nowra is a freestanding Aboriginal-owned and midwifery-led birth centre representing thousands of years of cultural practice and holistic healthcare.
Supported by the NSW Government, the Birthing on Country centre is designed to provide Aboriginal families with culturally safe care, from antenatal through to postnatal support. Created in collaboration with South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) the Aboriginal-owned and Midwife-led centre is an Australian first.
Developed as part of the Birthing on Country initiative, the centre combines traditional birthing practices with modern medical care, providing a holistic and culturally respectful environment for Aboriginal women and their families. Birthing on Country models have shown to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, including lowering the risk of premature birth.
The facility features four birthing suites, each equipped with pools and opens into a tranquil courtyard overlooking bushland. The design embraces the natural environment and traditional birthing practices, enabling women to labour in the courtyard if they choose. However, the unique setting within a residential area presented challenges, particularly regarding managing sound during active labour

Delivery

One of the primary concerns was mitigating noise from the birthing suites and courtyard to prevent disturbance to neighbouring residences. Current legislation provided no guidance for this specific scenario, requiring a tailored approach. Our Acoustics engineering team undertook the following steps to address this challenge:
• Innovative Acoustic Modelling: Using advanced 3D modelling software, the team captured the noise reduction effects from the courtyard to nearby residences. Reasonable worst-case scenarios were developed through research and discussions with the client, enabling an accurate acoustic assessment.
• Harmonising Design and Compliance: Close coordination with the architect ensured that the birthing suites maximised natural light and connection to the courtyard while adhering to acoustic compliance. This design balance eliminated the need for intrusive noise barriers, maintaining the project’s serene and open environment.

Architectural Vision

The façade design presented its own set of challenges, requiring the seamless integration of diverse materials and systems within the architectural vision. Our Facades engineering team partnered closely with Papesch Architects to resolve these complex interfaces and deliver a robust, buildable design that remained true to the project’s intent.
• Respecting Architectural Intent: Every façade element—from rammed earth walls and timber cladding to architectural windows and screening—was developed with respect for the design vision while ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code and enhanced performance in weatherproofing, airtightness, and thermal efficiency.
• Iterative Design and Collaboration: Multiple façade interface options were explored, refined and presented to the design team. Through detailed evaluation and coordination with MI Engineering, a balanced, code-compliant solution emerged that satisfied both aesthetic and performance goals.
• Advanced Weatherproofing and Durability: Concrete hobs, upstands, and spoon drains were incorporated to ensure long-term moisture control and resistance. A high-performance clear coating was applied to protect the rammed earth walls while preserving their natural appearance.
• Holistic Structural Integration: Close collaboration with structural engineers ensured hidden support structures maintained clean façade lines, enhancing the architectural elegance while prioritising constructability and cost-efficiency.

Impact

Our collaborative approach, working in close partnership with Papesch Architects, Waminda, and the local council, ensured that every aspect of the project aligned with community expectations and regulatory frameworks. We delivered solutions that upheld the centre’s serene and open design by addressing unregulated acoustic challenges and complex façade interfaces with ingenuity and precision.
Our adaptability, technical expertise, and commitment to cultural sensitivity contributed to the successful realisation of this groundbreaking facility. The Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre is a transformative example of healthcare innovation, harmonising traditional birthing practices with modern engineering to create a supportive, sustainable and respectful environment for Aboriginal families.

Imagery source:

Papesch Architects