All images © Sarah Rowlands Photography

Setting a New Standard for Mental Health Care in New Zealand

Hillmorton Hospital’s new Specialist Mental Health Services (SMHS) facilities represent a major step forward in mental health care for the Canterbury region. The award-winning project consolidated services previously spread across multiple campuses into two purpose-built buildings designed to support healing, dignity, and wellbeing. 

The development includes: 

• An integrated family health centre providing inpatient services for Mothers and Babies, South Island Eating Disorders, and Child & Adolescent care. 
• A 16-bed inpatient unit for adults with high and complex mental health needs. 

These environments were designed to feel welcoming and homely, with abundant natural light, landscaped courtyards, and therapeutic spaces that encourage connection with nature. Cultural input from Ngāi Tahu and lived-experience stakeholders shaped the design, ensuring spaces reflect Aotearoa’s values of partnership and care. 

The project achieved New Zealand’s first 5-Star Green Star rating for mental health facilities, setting a benchmark for sustainability and patient-centred design. 

Challenges 

Mental health environments demand a delicate balance between safety and normalisation. The design brief required: 

• Ligature-resistant fixtures to minimise risk. 
• Durable, hygienic solutions that meet strict clinical standards. 
• Products that support a domestic, non-institutional feel to promote recovery. 

Product Solutions 

The team at Nimbl Group and Galvin Engineering worked closely with the project team to provide best suited mental health solutions that meet these requirements. The scope included: 

• Ligature-resistant tapware and showers designed for high-risk environments. 
• Wallgate solid surface sanitaryware & accessories for durability and safety. 
• Fittings engineered to reduce ligature points while maintaining a homely aesthetic. 
• Water management systems ensuring efficiency and compliance with New Zealand standards. 

These solutions were selected for their proven performance in secure healthcare settings and their ability to integrate seamlessly into therapeutic, patient-focused spaces. 

Outcome 

The new Hillmorton SMHS facilities provide a safe, supportive environment for tāngata whaiora (service users), whānau, and staff. By combining robust safety features with a warm, domestic design, the project delivers on its vision of hope, healing, and recovery. 

Galvin is proud to have contributed to a project that sets a new standard for mental health infrastructure in New Zealand. 

Key Data

Products Installed