Quakers hill

New state-of-the-art high care residence for the elderly at
Quakers Hill

A brand new, contemporary high-care residential facility for 128 residents at Quakers Hill NSW is underway, to replace one that was partially destroyed by fire over a year ago. The client, Domain Principal Group, first commissioned AJ+C to review possible options for the existing site, ultimately opting to build a completely new high care facility. The new residence includes 104 resident rooms, large living and dining rooms, kitchen, laundry, library and coffee shop. A series of courtyards provides access from the high ceilinged living rooms to the gardens, one of which will contain a memorial accessible to the public.
readmore

Q&A

Peter Ireland,
Principal and General Manager

Q. What in your experience are the crucial things in designing for older people?
A. Three things we know we need to get right: clear way-finding, a sense of homeliness or 'livability', and a building that is flexible and serviceable into its later life. Reducing the carbon footprint is also important, as this kind of facility consumes high levels of energy.

Q. What defines 'homelike' for elderly residents?
A. We find people function better in small groups – of up to 14 or 16 people – so the Quakers Hill facility is essentially structured as a series of 'houses', one on each floor. All elements of a building like this are there to support a way of life, not simply to look good. A high level of medical and support services can make it feel institutional. Functional elements – the medical equipment, the laundry, the kitchens, are kept from view.

Q What does good wayfinding mean?
A. The way you move around the space has to make sense, and that's quite different for someone who forgets easily, doesn't see or hear well, or wanders. It can come down to details like colours or materials, or using different door handles for each room. Above all, the layout has to be logical, and clear.

Q How do you know when you have succeeded?
A. Even though the new Quakers Hill facility is quite a large building, it will feel small - we have designed it in a way that is both familiar, and yet belongs to the outside world. That combination of community and privacy is what we strive for.