Bern Emmerichs designed North Facing in 2012 for the Northern Hospital in Epping.

Emmerichs grew up in the area where the Northern Hospital is located, and has created a design that cleverly and whimsically incorporates the nature and history of the area. Elements of the local landscape have been incorporated into the design, including the river red gums, the volcanic rocks, the Plenty Ranges and the Plenty River with historical references—from the early aboriginal inhabitants and European settlers through to modern urbanisation. Emmerichs has also alluded to local commercial and leisure pursuits, including the dairy industry, market gardens and horse racing.

The tapestry will be displayed in the prominent location of the entrance lobby of the hospital, providing a warm welcome to all those who come through the front entrance, as well as being visible to patrons of the hospital café.

The tapestry was created with the with the support the Australian Hotels Association and Anne Robertson and Mark Robertson OAM through the Tapestry Foundation of Australia.

Bern Emmerichs is represented by Maunsell Wickes Gallery, Sydney and Scott Livesey Galleries, Armadale.