CALADENIA DAY CENTRE - Mooroolbark

This project entailed the analysis and design of a new overnight dementia respite facility to be piloted within the site confines of the existing day centre.

Through detailed discussions with the centre’s building committee, and on the basis of available and projected funding, it was decided to produce a design which would physically alter the existing facility as little as possible to enable it to be returned to its current state should the pilot program prove unfeasible. The resulting scheme involved the internal refurbishment of existing administrative areas into overnight rooms for upto 5no. respite guests together with a new (relocated) activities room and store. The administration component was to be relocated into a portable structure sited beside the main facility in such a way as to preserve existing circulation movements in and around the complex whilst reducing the visual effect of the proposal generally, and also with respect to its distractive effect on those with dementia. Architectural screening elements were proposed to enable the additions to assimilate with the surrounding fabric, landscape and streetscape.

Photography – Staughton Architects