Hunter Correctional Centre
Guymer Bailey Architects were engaged by Lendlease to design the Hunter Correctional Centre, a 400 bed Rapid Build Prison Project within the Cessnock Correctional Complex. The emphasis on the project was a rapid construction delivery, which was achieved within 12 months. The project was one of two that were built by the State and included a new way of providing inmate accommodation, being four blocks with each block having four 25 bed dormitories.
Within the secure perimeter, in addition to the accommodation blocks, we designed industries buildings, a kitchen and laundry building, visits centre, health and reception building, gym, segregation unit and programs building.
A central support building in the centre of the site contains a custodial movement control point, offices, control room, interview rooms, audiovisual legal suites, pharmacy, a library and cultural centre, and is linked to a network of secure raceways that connect radially to the accommodation blocks and other support buildings. Outside the secure perimeter, works included external stores, standalone fire and water services, staff and visitor car parking, generator, staff and visitor car parking and road linkages to the existing correctional centre.
Stage A works included the refurbishment and extension of an existing two-storey classroom block as well as the construction of a new covered walkway through the centre of the school.
PROCESS
Taking inspiration from the natural elements of Crescent Bay, the entry to the retreat has been designed to mimic the geology of the surrounding caves and cliffs. Entering through the courtyard, guests pass through a sequence of external and internal spaces that provide glimpses of the view that is finally revealed in the dining space. Prone to strong southerly winds, the ground floor southern pavilion has been designed to provide shelter to the courtyard that connects to the internal living space on the western side of the house.
METHODOLOGY
The retreat design is lightweight and can be adapted to a modular construction, which allows for off-site prefabrication to minimise environmental impact. The use of native, local gene pool plant species is planned to ensure the soft landscape is climate sensitive, contextually appropriate and beneficial to wildlife.he showrooms with the facade’s orientation to the western afternoon sun. Using a mixture of large overhangs, screening, and glazing types we successfully reduced the impact of the afternoon sun while still maximising natural light inside.
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
The Darkinung People
COMPLETION
2017
LOCATION
Cessnock, New South Wales
CLIENT
NSW Department of Justice and Lendlease
PROJECT CONTACT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexander McIntyre
VALUE OUTCOMES
“GB-A were an absolute pleasure to work with. The team on site and in the office never cut corners and were committed to delivering a very high quality project.”
Jim Spainard, Golburn Enterprise
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology. Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy.
PRINCIPLES OF PASSION
During the design process, our project team not only considers the physical context of the designs but also examines the social and cultural context. Through every design, we look for ways to inspire positive attitudes, behaviours and emotional responses in people to encourage the responsible use of resources, increase cooperation among occupants, and communicate the values of society and cultural diversity.
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology.
We design built environments from a holistic, sustainable perspective: each project reconciles ecological and social impacts within the current economic climate. We holistically evaluate environmental, cultural and financial sustainability in every task we undertake.