R C Mesley Vet Hospital
Cooma, NSW, 2014
Snowy Vets' new R.C. Mesley Animal Hospital is a project we recently collaborated on with Kydra Designs. Developed in close consultation with Snowy Vets' Mike Mesley, the design was crafted from his careful mapping of their optimum workflow and his philosophy of health, sustainability, quality, compassion, and professionalism.
Clinical requirements are merged with earthiness and warmth to provide an unintimidating and natural place for pets to visit. Strong connections to the landscape allow for natural ventilation and easy access to the beautiful surroundings Monaro grasslands.
The building incorporates a range of green design techniques, technologies and materials creating a cutting edge contemporary building while also achieving the beauty and warmth the owners were looking for. High-quality, high-performance Binq windows sit comfortably alongside natural materials such as rammed earth and recycled timber. Careful planning and orientation takes advantage of views while encouraging cross ventilation and soaking up winter sun. A polished concrete floor provides appropriate hygiene, provides thermal mass to be warmed by the sun, and solar-powered hydronic slab heating. The rammed earth walls allow for diurnal heat exchange.
The Hospital is an inspiring workplace, warm and welcoming to the public, and a valuable addition to Cooma and the community.