Nexus Emergency Vet

Client Nexus Emergency Vet
Industry Veterinary
Service Design , Construction
Location Malvern SA

This 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital brings an innovative open hospital model to Adelaide, keeping pets and their families together throughout the treatment journey.

Open hospital design

Nexus was planned around an open hospital model that lets pet owners stay bedside or cage-side with their pet throughout treatment. Inspired by an approach established in the US, the concept improves transparency for owners and reduces stress for animals during emergency care.

Designing the treatment journey

In the design concept at Nexus, families can move with their pet through the clinical space. The interconnected plan creates a journey through treatment, family waiting, pharmacy, and discharge, so owners can understand what is happening at every stage.

Working within an unusual building

The site’s existing dental showroom presented a challenging footprint, with an unusual shape and high raked ceiling. We worked with the existing architecture to create an efficient, interconnected layout, using the building’s constraints to help achieve the open hospital environment Nexus envisioned.

Progressive budgeting at work

With a tight budget, we refined the design extensively to balance the client’s ambition with affordability. That meant revising elements such as joinery and presenting alternative solutions. Cost-conscious material choices helped achieve the desired look and feel within the available budget.

A calming emergency environment

Our interiors team created earthy, neutral spaces to bring warmth to the emergency hospital, with terracotta and sage green. We chose materials, furniture, and finishes for durability, affordability, and animal needs, creating an environment that’s both practical and comfortable.

A positive experience

Since opening, Nexus has received positive feedback from clients and other veterinarians, with local vets referring patients to the hospital for emergency care. The open model also allows families to stay overnight in ICU with their pets, extending the idea of staying together throughout the treatment journey.