Operating Theatre Upgrade – Cathlab 3
Specialist Healthcare Architecture | Operating Theatre Upgrade
Architecture projects rarely reach the level of technical integration required for Cathlab 3. Located within a major regional hospital, this operating theatre upgrade demanded meticulous coordination across multiple specialist disciplines to deliver a fully integrated, high-performance clinical environment.
Sector: Healthcare
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Client: Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
Completion: 2024–2025
Estimated Construction Value: $1 million (excl. GST and medical equipment)
Role: Full architectural services including coordination and construction observation
The project required detailed architectural documentation to support advanced medical equipment for cardiac procedures and associated interventions. Structural support systems, medical gas infrastructure, laminar-flow ventilation, specialist bracing, computer monitoring systems, and radiation shielding through lead-lined wall construction all required precise coordination. Every penetration, junction and interface was carefully resolved to meet infection prevention protocols, fire regulations and hospital design standards.
A dedicated medical control room was integrated into the theatre environment, ensuring operational visibility and functionality while maintaining strict clinical requirements. Ceiling space coordination was particularly complex, with services layered within tight spatial constraints to accommodate ventilation, lighting, monitoring and structural supports.
Esse Architects worked closely with the nominated Project Manager and consultant team from inception through to completion. The project was led by Peter Hunt, Director and Principal Architect, supported by Anica Nel. The team’s involvement across all phases ensured continuity, technical accuracy and careful management of stakeholder requirements.
Completed in 2025, Cathlab 3 reflects Esse Architects’ capability in delivering complex healthcare architecture within live hospital environments. The result is a technically robust, fully integrated operating theatre designed to meet the demands of modern cardiac care.
