The Auckland City Hospital, at 80,000 sq m and spread over nine floors, is the largest public building in NZ providing 3500 rooms, 710 acute beds and 24 theatres. 

This highly successful project was acoustically challenging due to the complexity of the project and differing acoustic requirements of various spaces.  Engagement at a very early stage of the project assisted with minimising client risk and providing the design and build team with a range of options.     
Acoustical input covered all project phases.  Some of the acoustic design features are:

• Design of building envelope to control noise from traffic, helicopter(s), and mechanical plant.
• Introduction of cushioned vinyl and carpets to wards and non-clinical spaces and corridors to reduce impact noise whilst improving staff comfort and the acoustics of these areas. The Atrium, linking bridge, and reception were treated to reduce reverberant build up of noise.
• Speech privacy and sound insulation design so that confidential communications and hospital activities can proceed without hindrance (i.e. consultation, theatres, interview, tutorial, maternity wards and rooms).
• Control of noise from all services pipes, air-conditioning and extract systems, lifts and adjacent plantrooms or hospital machines (MRI) to assist with patient rest, sleep and recuperation.

The favourable comments, from the Client, staff and patients are recognition that the acoustics of this new hospital have been a success.