The new Ministry of Health Building in Tonga demonstration the coordinated approach undertaken by AusAid with JCP to deliver a contemporary government building in the pacific.

The project involved the design and documentation of a two storey government building capable of being built by local contractors using local labour and withstanding the climatic elements present about the small island Kingdom. Throughout the design phase JCP encouraged active involvement from the client and user group to ensure the requirements of all the stakeholders were incorporated in the final outcome.

During this period JCP worked closely with the hospital’s senior planner to gain an in depth understanding of how staff would use the facilities as well as identifying local customs and protocol. This enabled a design that although appearing very modern would also reflect the unique cultural requirements of the people of Tonga.

Careful thought was given to finishes, with combination of locally made blocks to the building’s lower halft and corrugated sheet metal to the second floor, providing a visual separation between the public and the second level senior Ministry Staff areas.
Large overhangs provide shade all around the building while external sunscreens to the lower level control sun penetration and afford the structure additional security.