4 minute read
Komemo Constructions
Tradition, harmonyenhance aged care living
The 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
Advertisement
THE TEAM
Phone: 9362 5411 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
intimate lounging zones that can, when required, be reconfigured into group seating within the spacious single area.
Outside, the wide covered walkways connect open spaces to the timeless, classically-designed building, its outstanding features of graceful columns, face brick walls and shady open verandas surmounted by terracotta roof tiles. Complementing the traditional construction method and materials is the modern approach to energy generation, with each apartment boasting its own solar panel system.
Sky-high ceiling The individual private living spaces open onto a 1.8 metre wide corridor whose lofty walls draw the eye up to a curved ceiling featuring a dramatic sky mural. The curve of the ceiling echoes the transparent, curved exterior walkway roofs through which the actual sky is visible. The rear of each unit opens onto its own courtyard, defined by both the decoratively-columned verandas and the ground-lit formal landscaping.
An open-style living/dining/kitchen area determines the main interior zone of each air-conditioned apartment, while the bedroom is large enough to accommodate either a double bed or two single beds. Both the living space and bedroom area have access to an ensuite bathroom and laundry area, with a separate store facility. Tiled from floor to wall, and fitted with a shower, vanity, mirrored utility cabinet and grab-rails, the bathrooms are suitable for use by residents who may be in a wheelchair, or who need assistance.
“The ensuite has been developed to take into consideration residents who may have a physical impairment,” says Mr Del Borrello. “This was done in a subtle manner, so that the units can be used by any residents. This provided great latitude for any enduser.” To enhance the safety and security of the residents, each unit also features an intercom system and a direct telephone line to a dedicated carer. Separation challenge One of the challenges of the construction phase was the necessity for the new complex to be built while the main aged care facility was operational. To achieve this, the building site was separated from the principal complex, allowing each to work in synergy with the other.
“It worked well,” Komemo’s construction manager Marc Jones says. “The only real challenge with the timeframe was that some materials, such as stone carvings, had to be sourced from overseas and some of these were delayed due to the situation with Covid-19.”
Komemo Constructions and Salim Lee Architects and Planners are both highly experienced in the design and construction of aged care facilities, drawing on inspiration from around the globe.
“A lot of our material is taken from all over the world and our buildings include aspects from many places,” Mr Jones says. “We work very closely together and we have a very good relationship.”
