Project Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Unit
Client South Metropolitan Health Service & WA State Government
Builder ADCO Construction
Architect Hunt Architects
Location Fremantle, WA
IG Blinds Scope Supply of integral glass units (IGUs) incorporating integral blind
systems for the project’s window package
Why this project matters
Fremantle Hospital is expanding mental health support in WA’s southern corridor.
Construction is underway on a major redevelopment at the hospital’s V Block,
delivering 40 new inpatient mental health beds as part of a $63 million upgrade.
The redevelopment increases total inpatient mental health beds by more than 60%
(from 64 to 104) and introduces a 24-hour mental health urgent care service to support
acute crisis care and help ease pressure on Fiona Stanley Hospital’s emergency
department.
Hunt Architects note the project is more than 4,500m² and spans three floor plates,
with a design approach informed by biophilic principles — using subtle connections to
nature (forms, patterns, materiality, texture and colour) to help create a therapeutic
environment.
The brief
In mental health environments, window solutions have to do more than look good. They
need to support safety, durability, privacy, and operational reliability — without creating
unnecessary maintenance burden for facilities teams.
For Fremantle Hospital’s Mental Health Unit, the requirement was clear: deliver a robust
vision-control solution suitable for a high-stakes healthcare setting, integrated into the
glazing package and consistent across a large window schedule.
The challenge
Mental health projects demand a tighter standard of performance than typical
commercial work: – Anti-ligature design intent (reduce risk and minimise tampering
opportunities) – Controlled privacy and daylight for patient comfort and clinical needs –
Durability under frequent use – Consistency at scale across a complex window schedule
The IG Blinds solution
IG Blinds supplied integral glass units (IGUs) with integral blinds sealed within the
double-glazed unit — keeping the blind protected from the environment and out of
reach, while still giving staff and occupants practical control over privacy and glare.
In mental health settings, sealing the blind inside the IGU supports anti-ligature intent
by avoiding exposed cords and accessible blind components, while still enabling
practical vision control.
This approach supports the project’s design intent: maximise natural light while
maintaining control — without relying on exposed window coverings in a demanding
healthcare setting.
Key elements of the solution included: – Integral blind systems integrated within IGUs
for protected, low-touch operation – A consistent, project-wide specification aligned to
the needs of a mental health setting – Coordination-ready supply to support the glazing
and construction program (without compromising the integrity of the sealed unit)
Scope of supply
IG Blinds supported the project’s external window package with IGUs incorporating
integral blinds, coordinated to suit different window locations and accessibility
conditions across the facility.
Standardised configuration highlights included: – 16mm slat – 22mm spacer – RHS
control – Various glass/tint combinations to suit locations and performance
requirements
The result
Fremantle Hospital’s Mental Health Unit received a consistent, integrated vision-control
solution across its external window package — supporting privacy and daylight
management in a way that aligns with contemporary mental health design principles.
By supplying integral blinds sealed within IGUs, the project benefits from a cleaner,
more protected blind system designed to perform in demanding settings — helping
maintain comfort and control without relying on exposed, high-maintenance window
coverings.
“In mental health environments, natural light matters — and so does control. Integrating the blind inside the IGU delivers protected performance without compromise.”
Credits
- Builder: ADCO Construction: Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Unit | ADCO Constructions | People Who Build
- Architect: Hunt Architects: Construction Underway for the Fremantle Hospital 40 Bed Mental Health Project | Hunt Architects
- Client: South Metropolitan Health Service & WA State Government
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If you’d like, I can also produce a one-page specifier-friendly PDF-style version of this
case study (tight bullets, compliance language, and a clean scope table) for architects
and procurement teams.
Our mission
To be Australia’s most trusted partner in creating safer, more comfortable
environments where people live, heal, and work — delivering cutting-edge integral blind
systems within double glazed units that protect what matters most through our
commitment to innovation, Australian-made craftsmanship, and exceptional service.
