Revolutionary purpose-built facility for people living with Huntington’s Disease wins 2024 Perth Specialised Housing of the Year Award
A first-of-its-kind facility, specifically developed to support people with Huntington’s Disease, an inherited and incurable neurological disorder, was recently awarded 2024 Perth Specialised Housing of the Year at the HIA Perth Housing Awards.
Constructed by Dale Alcock Projects on behalf of Brightwater Care Group and completed in mid-2024, this state-of-the-art campus, designed by KPA Architects, is the first Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) custom designed to specifically support the unique needs of people with Huntington’s Disease.
This award-winning project in Piara Waters is an innovative, state-of-the-art campus and was a labour of love for all involved. Brightwater and KPA collaborated with families affected by Huntington’s Disease on the design of the world class facility to ensure it met the needs of people with extreme functional impairments or very high needs.
The complex consists of seven homes able to accommodate 21 individuals, sensory gardens, a commercial kitchen and spaces for social connection and relaxation for the residents, staff and visitors.
Each home is certified as Specialist Disability Accommodation and features three accessible bedrooms with ensuites, SDA-compliant kitchens and adaptive technology like ceiling tracks and adjustable benches to promote independence in daily activities.
KPA Architects carefully designed the facility to avoid a clinical atmosphere, focusing instead on creating a warm, homelike environment that fosters comfort and tranquillity for residents.
Todd Paterson, Director at KPA Architects, stated, “Co-designing these homes to address the specific needs of residents with Huntington’s Disease and their caregivers has proven highly successful. The feedback to date highlights the positive impact the environment has had on residents’ well-being since moving in.”
Mr Paterson said that the use of curves in the design creates undulating lines that soften the spaces, allowing light to permeate, and adds a calming feel to the site, while also preventing residents from injury when bumping into walls.
“These considered design choices can be seen throughout the site, including the timber-clad façade, soft corners of the interior walls, rounded glass windows and the gentle arches of the walkways around the campus”.
Nature was a significant influence in shaping the design of the facility, with elements such as native plant landscaping, a fruit and herb garden at the rear, organic-shaped pergolas, and Vacoa timber cladding all incorporated to create a harmonious connection with the natural environment.
Brightwater, KPA and Dale Alcock Projects are incredibly proud of the project’s success, not just in the acknowledgement of awards like this but also in the experience of its residents, staff and visitors who call it home.
Brightwater Chief Executive Officer Dr Catherine Stoddart said it had been extremely rewarding to witness clients show significant improvement following their move into the new environment.
“At Brightwater, we support people whose lives aren’t always easy. We don’t simply aim to make their lives better; we want the people in our care to live their best possible lives,” she said.
“Our new campus at Piara Waters marks a significant advancement for the level of care we provide to people with Huntington’s disease and underscores Brightwater’s dedication to enhancing disability care.
“It has been wonderful to hear families say that they can already see the impact the new homes are having on the quality of life of their loved ones.”
A key factor in the success of this project was a deep connection to its purpose. Prior to commencing work, the Dale Alcock Projects team, along with all contractors on site, watched Brightwater’s What is Huntington’s Disease video. This powerful resource provided a poignant insight into the devastating impact of the disease, ensuring that all involved understood the importance of their work in supporting those affected.
Dale Alcock Projects Manager Jarryd Little said, “We wanted our people to really understand the significance of this project and watching this video had a profound impact on how they worked on the site.”
“What we experienced was phenomenal. Each Projects employee, subcontractor and supplier brought with them such a high level of care, attention to detail and willingness to overcome the unique project challenges.”
About Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease, which is an inherited neurological disorder, progressively affects movement, cognition and behaviour, with symptoms varying significantly amongst individuals. Around 2,000 Australians are affected by this inherited condition and there is currently no cure.
About Brightwater Care Group
Brightwater Care Group is a not-for-profit and one of the largest providers of aged care, disability and retirement services in Perth. Their mission is: “Pursuing the dignity of independence”.
Brightwater value the potential that lives inside each and every one of us, no matter what that looks like.
Their ability to strive towards their best-self every day, to keep learning and to keep growing drives all that they do.
To learn more about Brightwater Care Group’s Piara Waters facility, please visit the website.
About KPA Architects
KPA are an independent, next-generation firm, bringing together technology progression, human needs, design impacts, feasibility and function, to create united designs that are unique but also practical. With an array of highly qualified in-house specialists, KPA have a broad range of experience across the Specialist Disability Accommodation, Retirement Living, Aged Care, Retail and Industrial sectors.
A full-service company, KPA have overseen many projects across Perth and regional Western Australia, from Due Diligence and Feasibility right through to Project Management and Superintendent Services.
Business Enquiries: Todd Paterson, todd.p@kpa-architects.com 0416 259 526
About Dale Alcock Projects
A part of ABN Group, Dale Alcock Projects (DAP) is a leading specialist in medium density projects across Perth. DAP partners with investors, developers, and governments to bring commercial and residential projects to fruition, including apartments completed, group housing developments, childcare centres and more.
Dale Alcock Projects’ commercial acumen, residential finesse and agility of the team enable projects to be delivered on time, on budget and to a high quality.
Business Enquiries: Jarryd Little, jlittle@dalealcock.com.au 0448 081 636