The Alfred Hospital was originally established in honour of His Royal Highness Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, following his survival of an assassination attempt during his visit to Australia in 1868.
In a heartfelt response, the people of Melbourne raised funds to build a hospital bearing his name — a gesture of gratitude that laid the foundation for one of Australia’s most respected medical institutions.
Fast forward to 2025, we were deeply honoured to contribute to the transformation of The Alfred Hospital’s food and beverage precinct—part of a broader revitalisation led by Buildcorp and Air Studio Design.
What was once a stark and clinical space has been thoughtfully reimagined into a warm, functional oasis within the hospital, offering comfort and respite to both staff and patients.
From the outset, the design and consultation process was underpinned by the unique requirements of a healthcare environment. Every detail—from material selection to furniture design—was carefully considered to meet stringent hygiene, safety, and durability standards. Polycarbonate seating was selected for its practicality, allowing for easy cleaning and handling. Joinery table tops featured softened radius edges to ensure public safety and user comfort.
To define and differentiate the zones, the design brief called for natural materials and a palette of soft, earthy tones. The final solution delivered custom-matched Victorian Ash solid timber table tops, finished in a clear two-pack coating for longevity and aesthetic clarity. These were paired with custom powder-coated light grey bases to harmonise with the interior architecture. In contrast, terrazzo stone table tops with metal edges—paired with bases powder-coated in Alfred Health’s signature red—created a striking visual identity for designated areas within the precinct.
Seating in warm hues of terracotta, olive, linen, and cream added vibrancy and a nurturing quality to the space, reinforcing a sense of wellbeing and community within the hospital setting.
This project stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping environments that support healing, connection, and care. We are proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life at The Alfred Hospital.
John and the team created a tailored furniture selection and custom fitout solution — helping to bring our vision to life at the Alfred.
CEO, the Alfred
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