Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre
ARCHITECTURE
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LANDSCAPE
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INTERIORS
Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre
Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre is a secure treatment centre designed to house 20 residents from serious sex offender and violent offender cohorts. As the first facility of its kind, the Department of Justice and Regulation (DOJR) engaged Guymer Bailey Architects to design a benchmark therapeutic and rehabilitative centre for future facilities.
The post-sentence facility, is designed to provide intensive treatment prior to release and encourages independent and community living. To minimise the correctional feel of the facility, biophilic design principles were used through the design and an innovative fence of precast concrete and perforated steel was used around the perimeter. Timber adds warmth externally and internally while large windows capture views over scenic landscaped spaces to emphasise a connection to nature for staff and residents.
Working towards the DOJR’s 2050 target, many sustainable initiatives were incorporated including a shaded carpark with solar panels and mixed mode ventilation systems with automatic operable double glazed louvres. The facility also makes use of Lunos units, which draw in fresh, filtered air into the building to optimise indoor air quality. It also incorporates passive design to minimise the need for heating and cooling and maximise natural sunlight.
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
The post-sentence facility, is designed to provide intensive treatment prior to release and encourages independent and community living. To minimise the correctional feel of the facility, biophilic design principles were used through the design and an innovative fence of precast concrete and perforated steel was used around the perimeter. Timber adds warmth externally and internally while large windows capture views over scenic landscaped spaces to emphasise a connection to nature for staff and residents.
METHODOLOGY
Working towards the DOJR’s 2050 target, many sustainable initiatives were incorporated including a shaded carpark with solar panels and mixed mode ventilation systems with automatic operable double glazed louvres. The facility also makes use of Lunos units, which draw in fresh, filtered air into the building to optimise indoor air quality. It also incorporates passive design to minimise the need for heating and cooling and maximise natural sunlight.
AWARDS
2020
Australian Institute of Architects
VIC Chapter Sustainability Award – Finalist
2019
Master Builders Victoria
Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings Over $10M - South West Regional Building Awards – Winner
2019
Master Builders Victoria
Regional Commercial Builder of the Year - South West Regional Building Awards – Winner
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
The Djabwurung People
COMPLETION
2018
LOCATION
Ararat, Victoria
CLIENT
Department of Justice and Regulation - Victoria
PROJECT CONTACT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Scott Burrows Photography
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.