THE LITTLE SISTERS
THE BUILDERS CHOICE The Little Sisters
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Tradition, harmony enhance aged care living
he Little Sisters of the Poor have a long and inspiring history of caring for elderly people in need. Ever since the Order first arrived in Western Australia in 1920, the dedicated, compassionate Sisters have fulfilled their vow of hospitality to provide a home for some of Perth’s most financially-constrained older residents. Their mission statement, “…to contribute to the culture of life by nurturing communities where each person is valued” resonates afresh in the recent addition to their aged care complex at Glendalough. Independent living units The Glendalough Home for the Aged has recently expanded its capacity to provide quality accommodation with the addition of twelve independent living units (ILUs) to the existing aged care THE TEAM
Phone: 9362 5411
Phone: 9362 5411
98 The Builders Choice Magazine – September 2021
facility. Designed by Salim Lee Architects and Planners, the new complex is serenely attractive as well as functional, supplementing the privacy of the personal living spaces with the conviviality of a generously-proportioned communal zone. The unit complex was constructed by Perth building firm Komemo Constructions. The independent living units represent the final stage in the existing Glendalough complex, which was designed and constructed in 2019, also by the Salim Lee/Komemo team. The design had to reflect that of the existing facility and be suitably-proportioned, self-sufficient in layout and independent in function to accommodate the residents in a way that allows them as much individual autonomy as they need within an essentially shared living environment. Pleasant, enjoyable environment’ “We had to be very mindful that the building was to be used by low-cost income earners, however we had to provide a suitable well-thought-out product to ensure their new environment was pleasant and enjoyable,” says Frank Del Borrello, the lead architect for Salim Lee Architects and Planners. The new building comprises two wings, each containing six units, connected to a communal lounge/meeting area designed to develop and facilitate resident interaction and socialising. This shared area serves as the main entry to the building on one side, while the other side gives onto a courtyard with a northern aspect, thus providing an attractive and practical interface between indoor and outdoor zones. Large windows and glass doors allow natural light to flood into the common room where furniture, rugs, artwork – and even the design of the walls themselves – work together to cleverly define
