At the western gateway to Crace in the ACT, the Crace Medical Centre stands out for its curved form and strong presence. Designed by AMC Architecture and built by CapCorp Group, the $3 million development brings together several key medical services including YourGP @ Crace, North Canberra Orthopaedics, and Capital Pathology.
Completed in 2012, the 900 m² single-storey building sits comfortably in its hillside setting, framing views toward the Brindabella Ranges. Its approachable scale and clean design make it a fitting welcome to the community it serves.
Design and Construction
AMC Architecture’s design makes the most of the site’s elevation and orientation. The building’s semi-circular layout curves gently along the hill, giving it a clear sense of direction and connection to the landscape. A stone plinth base grounds the structure, while a steel verandah around the facade adds shade and a distinctly Australian character.
Inside, timber, stone, and composite panels bring warmth and texture to the fitout. Two waiting areas divided by a central reception improve flow and privacy, while generous glazing creates bright, comfortable spaces. The end result is a centre that feels calm, functional, and built for people.
Project Overview:
A Vision for Community Healthcare
The project was initiated by Dr John and Dr Mel Deery, a husband- and-wife team who wanted to build a medical facility that would grow with the Gungahlin community.
Speaking about their motivation for the project, Dr Mel Deery explained, “The Gungahlin area is under resourced from a medical perspective – there is always a need for more GPs wherever you are – so our plan is to provide high-quality medical and health care services in a modern environment that is easy to access and close to other facilities.”
Their goal was to create a long-term community hub. Every design
decision supports that purpose, from the welcoming layout to the
use of durable, low-maintenance materials like steel.
The Role of Fielders ARAMAX®
The roof is one of the building’s most distinctive elements, setting the tone for the entire design.
AMC Architecture spoke about the impact of this feature, saying “Although set on the brow of a hill, this low-set building is given poise and presence with its striking ARAMAX® roof line which appears to hover above.”
The ARAMAX® profile’s deep ribs and concealed fixing system create the clean, continuous finish seen across the curved roof. Its ability to be roll-formed on site also makes it well suited to complex or curved designs like Crace Medical Centre.
The profile is manufactured from COLORBOND® steel, a non- combustible material that meets National Construction Code (NCC) fire performance requirements, which suits Canberra’s varied climate.
Delivering on Design and Performance
Crace Medical Centre shows what can be achieved when design and engineering work together. The curved ARAMAX® roof gives the building its distinctive form and practical strength, while the use of steel ensures a durable, low-maintenance structure that will serve the community well into the future.
More on Fielders ARAMAX® Cladding here.
