Transforming the treatment experience: Rānui Apartments, New Zealand

Located 500 metres from Christchurch Hospital, the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust’s Rānui Apartments offer housing for patients and their families travelling to Christchurch for life-saving treatment. The $18.9 million project was designed by Plus Architecture and built by Higgs Construction, providing 43 self-contained apartments. It opened to residents in November 2024, and its proximity to Christchurch Hospital has nearly tripled the Trust’s capacity, making Rānui the largest provider of patient accommodation in the South Island and the only provider that supports patients and families of any age and any treatment type.

The design features three apartment types repeated throughout — intended to maximise efficiency without sacrificing quality. Precast concrete complemented by timber fins and pale blue facades are used in the four-storey, L-shaped building — the colour having been selected for its capacity to provide calm, reduce stress and support wellbeing. There is a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, along with studio rooms, with the design allowing for multiple room configurations to accommodate various family sizes and needs.

Comfortable beds, ample living spaces, and complete bathroom, kitchen and laundry amenities are included in each apartment, while the ground floor features a reception area, communal spaces, offices, outdoor living areas and parking facilities. Within a few months of opening the facility provided close to 4000 nights of accommodation, serving 590 families.

“This facility transforms the treatment experience for patients and their families,” Bone Marrow Cancer Trust CEO Mandy Kennedy said. “Rānui Apartments provides a purpose-built environment that addresses their specific needs during treatment.”

Images courtesy Plus Architecture