ORANA

Project:             Short term rehabilitation accommodation

Location:           Newnham, Launceston - Tasmania

Contractor:        VOS Constructions - Launceston

 

Orana is a joint DHHS/City Mission run program for short term accommodation to re-establish and rehabilitate individuals back into community living.  The original 1950's house was turned into a caretakers unit many years ago and is situated along the busy Newnham stretch of George Town Road.  Following years of additions through the rear of the site and numerous operators, cmk were approached by DHHS to design a renovated fit out solution of the entire complex for a limited budget.  Following receiving excessively high tenders for, the idea was abandoned to re-think a better value for money outcome.  After our advice to seek more funds and look a complete demolition and re-build solution, government funding was received to allow the project to proceed.

Designed as a series of small buildings from the street, the facade appears more like a block of units blending with its immediate residential context in keeping with the suburbs character.  Behind is a 14 bedroom complex all with ensuite facilities, a lounge/games room, commercial quality kitchen, dining facilities, offices and staff/councillors live in quarters.  All bedrooms shape around two large courts for greater indoor outdoor connectivity, enforcing a sense of safety and belonging to the incoming residents.  As residents gain more confidence and become increasing self sufficient, they can be moved into one of four self sustaining units sitting along the street edge, providing the final step back into the community, re-establishing independency, and self reliability.