Anglican Care engaged GHD to provide full architectural
services in the development of a 126-bed residential facility and
28 two-bedroom self-care units on a sloping greenfield site in a
subdivision west of Newcastle, New South Wales.
The design for the residential care facility is based on three
10-bed clusters grouped around a communal living, dining and
amenities area, on each of four levels (two-by-two storeys). Each
level is connected to a single entry/reception/lift area which also
contains ancillaries such as day care, respite, gymnasium, heated
pool, library, theatrette, coffee shop, outdoor recreation,
services areas and staff amenities.
The self-care units have been designed as single-storey
duplexes. Each has two bedrooms and some have additional space
if, for example, a study or visitor’s bedroom is needed.
Units have their own garages with internal access,
and the living/dining area has glazing on two sides, with
access to a roofed outdoor area.
A separate community centre is also included, providing a chapel
and function room for use by all residents, and a function room and
‘men’s workshop’ for use by the self-care residents.
The proposal incorporates a number of environmentally
sustainable design principles. These include harvesting and
recycling stormwater for toilets and landscape irrigation,
providing ceiling fans and geo-thermal air supply systems to reduce
air conditioning usage, installing thermal and acoustic materials
to walls and ceilings, and providing sun screens to windows
commensurate with the aspect of each elevation.