Melteca, Formica and HIMACS surfaces help deliver a calm, hygienic and beautifully detailed environment at Allevia Hospital Epsom.
Allevia Hospital Epsom enters a new era with the $150 million, four-level Gilgit Wing, now Aotearoa’s largest private surgical facility.
Specialist healthcare architects Klein have created a true state-of-the-art facility. Inside, Laminex surfaces have been used throughout – from nurses’ stations to wards to the staff kitchen and dining.
We wanted the interior spaces to feel homely and comfortable for staff and patients,” says designer Neesha Morar, “while still meeting clinical requirements. Laminex gave us both.”
HIMACS supports the day-to-day realities of clinical work
Desks at the nurses’ stations feature sweeping curves in heat-formed HIMACS Candy White. The seamless joins eliminate crevices where bacteria could grow, allowing complete design freedom while supporting strict hygiene standards. Paired with Laminex Metallic Laminate Brushed Bronze toe kicks and negative detailing, it feels refined and professional.
“We often use HIMACS for staff stations and reception counters within hospital environments,” notes Neesha. “We can shape it for snag-free edges, and it handles the everyday wear and tear of a busy healthcare environment.”
“It’s easy to clean, passes infection-control requirements, and always looks good. We chose Candy White for a crisp, neutral tone, with just enough speckle for visual interest. HIMACS allows us to be more creative with the reception and staff counters. We can design sculptural forms to make those spaces more approachable and welcoming for all visitors.”
To inject warmth, the team chose Melteca Refined Oak for the cabinetry. “The oak look brings a touch of nature indoors,” says Neesha. “It softens the space and supports wellbeing by bringing in biophilic design elements.”
Contrasting with the Candy White reception desk, the oak gives the nurses’ stations character and elegance, creating a warm and professional environment. “Metallic Laminate Brushed Bronze accents added a subtle lift,” Neesha notes. “It gives the space a sense of polish and refinement, perfect for a private hospital.”
Matching Laminex Formica and Melteca provide continuity in design
The oak finish continues in shared wards and private bedrooms – behind beds, and for wardrobes and built-in seating. Matching decors in Formica and Melteca panelling create consistency and durability through the facility.
“We needed materials that could handle the constant movement and collision of medical equipment without showing wear,” says Neesha. “Bedheads and doors are finished with Laminex Formica Laminate in Refined Oak Velour to handle those knocks and bumps.” The matching decor in Melteca is then carried into the cabinetry and the staff kitchen – a space designed for both everyday use and staff functions.
Everything is designed to endure hardworking environments. Surfaces can handle knocks from equipment, and HIMACS can be restored to like-new condition if marked. Beautiful and functional materials give the interior a modern, high-quality feel that reassures patients of the hospital’s quality and care.
PROJECT CREDITS
Architect: Klein
Writer: Folio
Photography: Mark Scowen
