The Home of Compassion has been at this site in Island Bay since 1907 and is dedicated to supporting the needs of the aged, the powerless and the poor. This housing project is positioned at the western end of the Home of Compassion, with breath-taking views over the hills of Island Bay and the surrounding bush. The childcare centre previously on the site has been demolished, but some of the brick columns were retained. These now frame an open courtyard space, tying the new housing to the past.

The project, housing for the Sisters of Compassion, consists of six new housing units spread across two one-storey buildings. There is a range of single and shared residences, all with living spaces that open onto the central garden and courtyard, and some units also overlooking the Home of Compassion complex. The articulation of the building form with each unit having a scissor-like roof, creates a sense of collected, individual, human-scaled elements. The proportion of window and wall, positive and negative space; seek to generate a quiet beauty. The buildings are of red brick veneer construction with angled metal roofs and large lantern windows. The selection of materials is cohesive with the existing buildings on the wider site, but the simple forms and carefully detailed brickwork convey a modern approach. The use of woodgrains, soft textures and muted colours provides interiors that are natural, simple and calm environments for the Sisters.

Wraight and Associates have introduced native planting throughout the site, landscaping a number of large communal areas and smaller, more intimate garden spaces.

Awards

• 2017 NZIA Colour Award
• 2017 NZIA Branch Award