Purpose-built design:

Design through collaboration

The aim for the new Jarrah House was to provide a world class , purpose built facility tailored to the needs of residents and staff. Accordingly, the project team took an open and interactive approach to designing the centre, which involved close collaboration and consultation with Jarrah House staff. The result is a treatment unit with a welcoming, therapeutic atmosphere. It is well suited to the practical objectives of the centre and highly sympathetic to the needs of residents.

Bringing functions together

The layout of the new Jarrah House provides space for a broad range of uses, including living space for 24 women and 16 children, outdoor courtyards for passive recreation, space for child-care and a playground, an acute medical centre, rooms for treatment and therapy as well as an administration centre. The building design separates the various functions of the centre, but also encourages a high level of social interaction between the women and their children in communcal facilities, which are organised in a series of linked pavilions.

Natural features

Jarrah House also uses nature to assist in the creation of a space for healing. Courtyards contain fragrant plants as well as vegetable and herb gardens for residents to tend themselves. These spaces offer a therapeutic experience of colour and scent. Internal spaces interact with these courtyards in different ways, bringing the outside in through sliding doors, bay windows and open kitchens. The centre also features peaceful views to Little Bay, the Botany Bay coast and native bushland.

Award-winning architecture

In recognition of their innovative design for Jarrah House, Project Architect Diane Jones and her team were recognised in 2005 with an award by the National Association of Women in Construction.

 

To take a photographic tour of the facility, please click here.