In recent years, we have seen the lines between sectors beginning to blur. Residential developments are providing lobbies, gyms and common areas that feel like hotels; hotels are taking a residential approach in their guest rooms and lobbies; and the commercial sector has been influenced by both, providing a residential level of comfort in kitchens and lounges as well as providing amenities such as lobby cafes, gyms and end-of-trip facilities which would sit comfortably in many hotels.

Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge is a project that, through its key drivers, required a mix of design thinking from a variety of sectors, particularly – the hotel sector. Since the 1970’s Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge (WEEL) has provided a safe space for our community’s most vulnerable as they rebuild their lives. It is Wesley Mission’s flagship site providing support for those experiencing hardship and the first institution in Sydney to provide individual, lockable rooms. The key aim for the redevelopment was to move from a congregate care approach which typically features small rooms and centralised, shared amenities, to providing larger rooms with ensuite bathrooms. This shift in design represented a greater shift in the way we consider crisis accommodation; it provides the residents with a safe and private space, elements crucial to their sense of home and belonging – and placed dignity, wellbeing and comfort at the forefront of the design.

Not only was the improvement of the amenity, comfort and wellbeing of residents at the core of the brief, so too was the desire to reintegrate WEEL into its Surry Hills context, requiring balancing of this social overlay with the performance requirements of the development. This was achieved by providing a balance of opportunities for privacy and social interaction – all the while putting the dignity of individuals and safety of residents, public and staff at the centre. For example, whilst the ground floor café welcomes the community, a secure intake area was also required to accept vulnerable residents into the WEEL. Opening up the ground floor to the public provides not only a new café, but an inviting, communal living and dining environment to encourage residents, guests and visitors to dwell - an approach used consistently in hotel lobbies.

“In any situation where there are groups of individuals residing in close proximity, consideration needs to be made in the design solution to ensure individuals feel safe and comfortable both in their room and on the way to their room.” Muses Angela Biddle, Scott Carver Interior Design Director.

To facilitate this, consideration was made in the finishes and fitout of the entire journey of the resident – from the front door to their own door, borrowing the concept of the guest journey from our approach to Hotel Design. This holistic approach ensured a consistency in the provision of an inviting, comfortable environment – both in the ground floor public areas, and in the guest rooms. Commercial grade furniture and finishes typically used in hotels was utilised so that we could ensure the maintenance, safety and durability of these items whilst ensuring the design intent was maintained.

Consideration to the lighting was taken in the guest floor corridors – rather than flooding the area with light and creating an institutional environment, a more focused approach was used – maintaining a suitable level of light for safety, but focusing on entry doors and feature areas to provide more visual interest. Shared guest floor facilities such as laundries and kitchens were designed to be robust and durable, with considered detailing and finishes to ensure they feel residential, not institutional. The same is true in the guest rooms themselves, where safety in design ensured details maintained the personal safety of individuals whilst providing finishes and materials that balance durability and easy maintenance with the warm, comfortable aesthetic of home.

Whilst Social Housing has requirements to meet in both level of performance and safety in design, it is important to remember that crisis accommodation is still accommodation. We are providing places for people to stay, to engage, to relax and to connect. Just like a resident might in an apartment building or co-living offer; just like a guest might in a hotel. This thinking bolsters our belief that applying learnings from other sectors in tandem with addressing the unique needs of the project, can only enrich that project.