St Augustines Hospital
THE DEVELOPMENT
St Augustine's Hospital is situated in an elevated and prominent position on Durban's Berea with breathtaking views of the City and Durban Harbour. The Hospital is KwaZulu Natal's largest private hospital and is the second largest hospital in the Netcare Group formely owned by Barney Herwitz of Clinic Holdings Ltd. The Hospital was founded by the second bishop of Natal, Bishop Jolivet in 1892 and was originally run by nine Augustinian sisters. The hospital is today a world-class facility with state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology, and offers a full range of medical disciplines.
The new Foyer will ensure that St Augustine's Hospital is at the cutting edge of specialised and advanced medical care. The old building dates back to the 1920's and is classified by South African National Monuments Council as Union Period in the Berea Style with Roman detailing.
ARCHITECT'S DESIGN
In January 1994, Mark Wassung - Project Architect and Multi-Award Winning Graduate of University of KwaZulu Natal University, designed the new "Flagship" Entry Foyer which included a triple volume space with Reception, Coffee Shop, Retail Pharmacy, Pre-Admission Clinic, Autobank and Post Office. The Sustainable Design Principles were groundbreaking for the project and included a double skin glass facade providing passive solar control through "Venturi Stack Effect" exhausting of hot air. The South orientated Skylights have operable windows for natural cross ventilation and indirect natural lighting of the foyer.
The Client required a complete masterplanning exercise which involved extensive alterations and additions to reshuffle facilities whilst maintaining full operation of all services. The projects include new: Maternity, Nursing Units, Nurses College, Rehabilitation Centre, Doctors' Suites, Triple volume Entry Foyer, Trauma, Neuro Ward, Sports Medicine Centre with Hyperbaric Chamber, Intensive Care Unit and High Care Facility.
The old building columns, fanlights, staircases, doors, ceilings and sculptures have been restored. New additions are seen as a minimal contemporary solution. The upgrade has brought the hospital in line with international medical care facilities.
The materials included "African Red Granite" large slabs of full body porcelain to define the main circulation routes, crip white expressed steel structure to emphasise structural expressionism. The old and new co-exist together, enhancing one another. The overall effect is one of upliftment and rejuvenation reinforced by the integration of landscaping full size palm trees, planters, glass airconditioning outlets and suspended light reflectors on stainless steel cables.
AWARDS
In 2008 Netcare St Augustine's Hospital received the Professional Management Review (PMR) Diamond Arrow award for outstanding and 1st overall ratings under the category of Private Clinics/Hospital with a rating of 4.40 out of 5.00.This award is awarded to companies doing most in their business sector over the past twelve (12) months to stimulate the Province's economic growth and development.
Netcare St Augustine's Hospital received second place in the Best Hospital
category of the Your Choice
Awards, as voted by members of the general public.
Netcare St Augustine's Hospital was rated joint highest rated and received the Professional Management Review (PMR) Golden Arrow Award in 2007. The award is voted annually by corporates and senior Government officials. The hospital was one of the first Netcare facilities in South Africa to receive international accreditation by the HQS (Health Quality Services) in the United Kingdom.
PROJECT STATUS
Work commenced in January 1994 and was completed July 1998
PROJECT TEAM
Client: Clinic Holdings Pty Ltd (now owned by Netcare) Hospital Administrator: Hector MacKay Contractor: Norvo Construction, Group Five & LHVE Structural Engineers: MG Smith & Associates Project Architect: Mark Wassung - ZAI & Stauch Vorster Architects
For more information please telephone 031 201 5990
Address: 107 Chelmsford Road Durban 4000 Tel: +27 31 268 5000 Fax: +27 31 201 4598
http://www.netcare.co.za/live/netcare_content.php?Item_ID=5618
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL FROM HECTOR MACKAY - GENERAL MANAGER - ST AUGUSTINE'S HOSPITAL
28 July 1998
Dear Sir/Madam
REFERENCE : MARK WASSUNG
This is to certify that Mark Wassung was the design Architect for St Augustine's Hospital. Amongst the various projects he completed were the following:
Medical 1 Ward Maternity Ward Neo-Natal Doctors Consulting Rooms Main Foyer/Reception Area Retail Pharmacy Administration Offices
Mark was also at times given responsibility of Project Management, at which he excelled. During the time that Mark worked at St Augustine's, I found him to be more than willing to perform his duties in a reliable and responsible manner. Mark was always willing to go that "extra mile" although his duties were often very demanding. I would recommend him highly for any position for which he may apply and wish him well in his new venture.
Should there be anything further you wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Hector Mackay General Manager
TESTIMONIAL FROM NORVO CONSTRUCTION
Mark Wassung was the Project Architect for the upgrade of St Augustine's Hospital. Norvo Construction was the main contractor over a three year construction period. Mark and Norvo's team were involved on a daily basis with:
Full Architectural Drawings Site Instructions Design Details Inspections Co-ordinating Site Meetings
Mark had a very positive influence on the running of the contract. With his inspiration and enthusiasm the final result and success of the project was due to him combined with a building team that wanted to work with him.
Yours faithfully Tony Williams Director - Norvo Construction PTY LTD
TESTIMONIAL FROM BFBA CONSULTANTS 23.07.1998
I have known and worked with Mark Wassung since March 1996 on the alterations and upgrading of St Augustine's Hospital in Durban South Africa.
This was a difficult project with a limited budget and reduced construction period that placed the project team under severe pressure. Mark always displayed a professional attitude towards his work. His innovative ideas injected a certain amount of enthusiasm amongst the professional team and contractors.
His friendly manner and openess allowed him to communicate effectively with others. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark as he has a quiet determination and I am sure that he will achieve whatever he sets out to do.
Yours faithfully Stan Kozlowski BFBA Consultants PTY LTD