Western Plains Correctional Centre
Guymer Bailey Architects was engaged by the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Services to design the new 1,248-bed Western Plains Correctional Centre maximum-security facility. Working towards the DOJR’s 2050 target, there were many sustainable initiatives incorporated into the design, making Western Plains Correctional Centre the first prison to be accredited under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) rating scheme.
Accommodation is arranged in a series of eight communities that house either mainstream or protection prisoners. Two main streets connect the communities with the central support buildings that have been designed with dual entries to cater for the different cohorts. The considered design balances freedom of movement and security control throughout the site.
To minimise the institutional feel of the facility, biophilic design principles are used through the project with views to borrowed landscape, the provision of natural light key, thermal and airflow variability, and provisions of spaces for personal withdrawal, all considerations in the design. The material palette and colour schemes chosen are based on the local geology, ecology and landscapes.
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 Wathaurong People
COMPLETION
2019
LOCATION
Lara, Victoria
CLIENT
Victorian Department of Justice and Community Services
PROJECT CONTACT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Guymer Bailey Architects
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.