Ronald McDonald House, Perth

Disciplines
Acoustics, Electrical, Fire Engineering, Fire Protection, Hydraulics, Mechanical, Structural, Sustainability, Vertical Transportation

Markets
Health & Aged Care, Residential

Offices
Perth

Key People

Matthew Quin

Electrical Project Engineer, Principal

Imran Khan

Acoustics Project Engineer, Principal

Stephen King

Fire Section Manager, Principal

Ben Hyde

Hydraulic Project Engineer, Principal

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Ronald McDonald House is a newly constructed five-storey residential building that is intended to provide a “home away from home” environment for children and their families receiving treatment at the New Children’s Hospital. The building includes 47 units for families, commercial kitchen and laundry and communal lounge, dining and play areas and provides vital accommodation for families from rural and remote areas with children receiving life-saving treatment.

In 2016, the project achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, becoming the first project in WA to be certified by the US Green BuildReing Council (USBGC). The LEED rating system is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. The highly progressive sustainable approach was important in ensuring that every element of the building works to promote healing, provide comfort and encourage connection for residents who are far from home.

WGE’s building services design complements architect Gerry Kho’s vision, resulting in stunning and unexpected spaces designed to delight residents. A vast circular light shaft creates a dramatic and striking connection between the four levels that highlights the communal spaces. The ‘secret garden’ and the natural palette of finishes throughout the building have been thoughtfully curated to enhance the positive effect of nature and vegetation on the healing process.

WGE’s sustainable design includes:

Water efficiency

• Water efficient landscaping with a 150kL rainwater system which provides 100% of the irrigation requirements in a typical year
• Water efficient fixtures and fittings to reduce water consumption

Enhanced efficiency

• Energy efficient design including high performance glazing, distinctive timber shading device on the northern façade, minimal glazing on the east and west facades to reduce excessive heat gains
• Enhanced commissioning that was planned from early in the design stage and followed through to practical completion and beyond to ensure that all of the systems operate as efficiently as possible
• Heat exchangers are used to recover heat from the exhaust air to precondition incoming fresh air
• Construction waste sorted off site to recycle over 90% (by weight) of the construction waste

Improving air quality

• An indoor air quality management plan was followed throughout construction to prevent dust and construction fumes from contaminating the duct work and soft furnishings during construction to ensure high quality, non-toxic indoor air quality for the children from the first day of operation
• Outside air levels increased above the minimum levels to improve indoor air quality
• Low VOC paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets were used throughout the development to improve the indoor air quality