In October 2021, Kane Constructions was engaged by Mater Health Services to design and construct Catherine’s House for Mothers, Babies, and Families.
The project involved an extensive heritage refurbishment of the existing Convent. This included the addition of outpatient and ambulatory clinics, staff research and support services, and an inpatient ward. Catherine’s House now features ten mother and baby suites, including two high-dependency units and a special care unit.
Heritage elements such as timber staircases, cornices, and doors and windows required careful preservation. Significant efforts were made to protect and restore these features throughout the project.
Kane conducted room simulations with user groups post-demolition to ensure optimal room layouts and access. Due to the mental health focus of the ward, anti-ligature requirements were a priority. Prototypes were installed in a shipping container for inspection and approval by certifying authorities before final installation, minimising risks for stakeholders and end users.
Given the project's complexity, weekly stakeholder meetings and interim workshops were held. Coordination with Mater Engineering was critical, especially for out-of-hours work, to ensure business continuity during necessary service shutdowns and isolations.
The project reached Practical Completion in April 2023.
