Yatala Labour Prison
As part of the South Australian Government’s better prisons program, Guymer Bailey Architects, in conjunction with Grieve Gillett Anderson, were engaged to design a $120 million expansion to the existing Yatala Labour Prison.
Works consisted of two staff buildings, two Accommodation buildings, one Programs and Special Needs building and one combined Visits, Admissions and Kitchen building. Guymer Bailey’s main involvement was with the design and documentation of the Visits, Admissions and Kitchen.
The design attempts to create a normative environment for the prisoners, by maximising natural light, using appropriate colours and materials for the spaces, providing moveable furniture and views to nature, all of which attempt to decrease stress and anxiety.
Guymer Bailey Architects aimed to push the boundaries of what is typically constructed in Visits Centres with inclusions such as a prison run cafe, loose furniture and both private and audio-visual booths.
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 Kaurna People
COMPLETION
2022 (in association with Grieve Gillett Anderson)
LOCATION
Northfield, South Australia
CLIENT
Department of Correctional Services - South Australia
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.