A contemporary design with the site’s established vegetation has created a relaxed accommodation village for people with disabilities.
Parry & Whyte Architects was called upon to design village-style accommodation for 25 people with disabilities, while retaining as much as possible of the site's mature vegetation.
The layout comprises five mobility houses with the space to accommodate five people and two carers. Each building has its own individual sense of place, sitting harmoniously within the established natural environment and streetscape.
The largest tree on site was retained and the buildings were designed around it, with the fourth house built as an arc sweeping around the tree to capture the northern aspect and sunlight.
All five houses are connected by pathways set in an accessible native landscape, with pockets of communal gathering spaces for residents to meet with friends and spend time with family.
An accessible community garden was created for occupants to cultivate their own vegetables, herbs and plants. This further establishes the concept of giving residents their independence, moving away from the previously institutional style of supported accommodation. Internally, specific requirements for disabilities had to be implemented, such as ceiling hoists, automatic sliding doors, and face-brick walls for high-traffic wheelchair-use areas.
The project works functionally and aesthetically, giving residents a level of independence while still feeling safe and relaxed in their new environment.
THE CENTRE FOR CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION ARCHITECT | Parry & Whyte Architects BUILDER | Universal Constructions LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | Emerge Associates BRIEF | Provide accommodation for 25 people with disabilities in a village-type setting, retaining as much of the mature vegetation on the site as possible. BUILD TIME | 18 months FEATURES | Five houses connected with pathways, accessible natural landscape, community garden, and internal requirements for disabilities. LOCATION | Coolbinia
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