A home for the most vulnerable, embedding a sense of belonging in Surry Hills
Since the 1970’s Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge 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 homelessness and the first institution in Sydney to provide individual, lockable rooms. Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge is the physical embodiment of Wesley Mission’s core principle, ‘do all the good you can, because every life matters’.
The proposed refurbishment aims to put the dignity and amenity of the clients at the forefront of the design and includes an upgrade to the former heritage chapel and support service rooms within, an upgraded entrance colonnade and landscape terraces, and the internal refurbishment of guest rooms with the addition of private ensuites and upgraded communal amenities. Our integrated approach through the collaborative effort of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interiors allowed us to first propose a holistic design response and then add additional value through the solutions nuanced in each discipline.
The proposed upgrades provide a direct response to the evolving urban landscape, providing an opportunity to celebrate its heritage whilst bringing the institution into relevance with the gentrification of Surry Hills. Wesley Mission’s vision for this refurbishment is to exemplify their continued commitment to helping people of all ages and abilities experience a more fulfilling life physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
At the core of the brief was improving the amenity, comfort, sense of dignity and wellbeing of their clients.
At the core of the brief was improving the amenity, comfort, sense of dignity and wellbeing of their clients, increasing rehabilitation and to reintegrate Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge into its Surry Hills context. To this end, the Heritage listed former chapel will include a variety of spaces designed to engage the community and create value for its neighbours. At the centre of this is a new cafe; activating the portico and interior and opening the doors to Surry Hills.
“Through opening up the ground plane, the residents and workers of Surry Hills are invited in to enjoy the public facing-amenities, appreciate the heritage facade and interiors and in turn assist in the rehabilitation and reintegration of the Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge residents.” – Lis Pitt, Associate & Project Leader, Scott Carver
Framing the entrance, the sandstone colonnade is accentuated with lush native planting and flexible seating areas are provided to activate the street scene and entrance. The contemporary outdoor furniture and materials are designed to complement the existing heritage of the building whilst providing comfort to residents and visitors alike.
Moving up through the building to the private facilities, Levels 1 – 5 feature a reconfiguration of rooms to include ensuites; with the key outcome being to create a sense of ownership, the spirit of a home, improve dignity and to promote guest safety and comfort. The inclusion of ensuites and a focus on bringing in natural daylight and ventilation means there will be 40, larger, self-contained rooms, rather than the current number of smaller, more basic rooms.
“Positively impacting mood and behaviour were key to the re-design of the client accommodation. The design intention was to promote a sense of warmth through the finishes and furnishings and to provide a sense of home and belonging.” – Helen Griffen, Associate, Interior Design, Scott Carver
In addition to the room upgrades, improvements to Shared Client Facilities have been designed promote social interaction, rehabilitation and reintegration. Continuing to Level 6, expanded and upgraded Resident & Staff Terraces create an outdoor retreat space, providing respite from the activity of Surry Hills and striking a balance between community interaction and a space for quiet relaxation. The terrace promotes biophilic health and wellbeing with connection to nature at forefront of the design, and the inclusion of a herb garden for a sense of ownership and spirit of home for Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge residents.
“We are delighted to demonstrate that we not only have the commitment but the capacity to plan for many more years to come. This upgrade will allow us the operational flexibility to better manage the complex needs around homelessness, to deliver improved outcomes for the people we support.” – Rev Keith V Garner AM, CEO/Superintendent, Wesley Mission
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