Project Thomas Embling Hospital — Secure Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (SPICU) + infill works.
Sector Secure forensic mental health
Location Fairfield, Victori
Builder Kane Construction
Design team MAAP Architects / DesignInc
Operator / delivery partner Forensicare / Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority
Windows & doors contractor ACME1 Pty Ltd
IG Blinds scope Integral blinds within IGUs supplied to ACME1 Pty Ltd
Control Fully automated via wall switch
Award 2020 Mental Health Design Award — European Healthcare Design Awards
Thomas Embling Hospital’s new Secure Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (SPICU) won the 2020 Mental Health Design Award at the European Healthcare Design Awards, recognised for demonstrating how a therapeutic environment that supports care and recovery can be achieved within a secure mental healthcare facility.
Why this project matters
Secure psychiatric environments demand a rare balance: robust security and
anti-ligature intent, without sacrificing daylight, privacy, and a calm, recovery-oriented feel.
The SPICU was recognised for showing how that balance can be achieved in practice. Publicly noted design features include: – Views and natural light to support a more therapeutic environment – Bedrooms with access to private, secure outdoor spaces -Widened corridors with large window views to reduce feelings of crowding/containment – Centralised living and dining spaces that can be opened or closed to suit different needs – Seclusion rooms designed to reduce trauma, with landscape views and integral blinds to help manage stimulation – A supportive admission experience, including a low-stimulus admission zone and de-escalation lounge with access to an outdoor space.
The brief
Deliver a secure, durable window and vision-control solution that: – Supports
anti-ligature intent and reduces tampering opportunity – Enables privacy + glare control to help manage stimulation – Keeps the window environment clean, protected, and low-maintenance – Integrates seamlessly into the glazing package for a cohesive architectural outcome.
The challenge
In high-security mental health settings, conventional surface-mounted blinds introduce avoidable issues — accessible components, higher maintenance, and greater opportunity for damage or tampering.
The SPICU required a vision-control solution that could stand up to daily use, support clinical operations, and contribute to a calmer interior environment — while staying aligned to the security requirements of the facility.
The IG Blinds solution
IG Blinds supplied ACME1 Pty Ltd (windows & doors contractor) with integral Venetian blinds sealed within the insulated glass unit (IGU).
Because the blind is enclosed within the IGU, it’s protected and out of reach —supporting anti-ligature intent by avoiding exposed cords and accessible blind components typical of surface-mounted coverings.
Control: Fully automated operation via wall switch.
Scope
• Integral blind systems supplied as part of the SPICU glazing package
• Coordinated with ACME1 Pty Ltd to suit room functions and operational requirements
The result
A protected, integrated vision-control solution that supports the day-to-day needs of a secure psychiatric environment: – Practical privacy and glare control to help manage stimulation – Cleaner, more durable window outcomes with reduced exposure to damage – A calmer, more considered interior environment — without compromising security intent.
Credits
• Builder: Kane Constructions
• Design team: MAAP Architects / DesignInc
• Windows & doors contractor: ACME1 Pty Ltd
• Operator / delivery partner: Forensicare / Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority
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.
