6-8 Markey Street GUILDFORD

Barry Rush and associates has designed and documented this project for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Formerly The Spastic Centre). The development accommodates residents who are physically disabled and need provision for 24 hour nursing care. As the site is located in a suburban residential area consideration was required to ensure that balance was achieved between providing for the unique needs of the centres residents, and, the requirements set down by the local government to shape and protect the local neighbourhood.

The development houses 12 x one bed units, 1 x two bed unit, a staff bedroom with ensuite and communal living and dining areas. An office, commercial kitchen and laundry, storage areas and parking for six vehicles (including Van/ Ambulance parking) were also provided and all units are supplied with standard disabled inclusions. Due to the unique needs of the occupants further features were provided such as controlled entry, electronic push button door openers, provisions for shower beds and ceiling mounted hoists with track to lift and transport residents from their beds or wheel chairs to the bathroom. These requirements impacted on the architectural planning, structural, electric and hydraulic services to the building and required careful coordination both in documentation and construction of the project.

Although the size of the building reflects a spacious plan, with its skillion roofs and boxed form the building presents somewhat as domestic and not dissimilar to homes in its vicinity. The building is clad with materials commonly used in the locality such as face brick and custom orb and is complimented by a colour scheme that is warm and welcoming. The resulting building together with satisfied feedback we have received from the client reinforces our belief that when buildings are well designed, they can have a positive impact on social outcomes. Further evidence of the success of the development is in our office being commissioned to produce similar buildings for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance on other sites throughout Sydney.