$5.8Million Yackandandah Development Leads the Way
Yackandandah Health’s Committee of Management has awarded a $5.8million contract to build Stage 1 of its four-stage multi-generational accommodation to Albury builder, Joss Construction.
Committee President, Donald Crosthwaite said work on the double-storey building, which offers 16 residential aged-care rooms upstairs and 10 retirement living units for individuals or couples downstairs, will start in coming weeks.
“This is a big deal for our small, community-operated and independent health service. It’s the first stage in our plans to deliver a different approach to aged care and we have been pleased to keep the work local and regional. We used JWP Architects from Wodonga for our master planning and the design and Joss Construction employ some staff that live in Yackandandah,” Mr Crosthwaite said.
Yackandandah Health CEO, Annette Nuck said, as part of the health service’s progressive approach to aged care and allied health services, this is the latest in a number of innovative projects it is undertaking to meet community health needs.
“The long-term aim is to adopt the European model of multi-generational accommodation and to facilitate more community interaction for residents on our site. The demand for a variety of options to suit people’s different needs as they age is just continuing to grow,” Ms Nuck said.
JWP Architects’ partner, Bernie Jovaras said the new buildings incorporate many passive design principles; including solar gain, proper orientation and natural ventilation.
“This was important to Yackandandah Health as it fits with the organisation’s innovation focus and their 2016 investment in a 90kW solar system. Solar chimneys are also a feature of the design to provide additional natural light and ventilation deep within the building,” Mr Jovaras said.
A new main vehicle entry access point off Isaacs Ave, additional off street carparking and access to an internal road linking the facilities are all part of the development.
“The new building is designed to be in scale with domestic architecture, ensuring that the building will sit comfortably in the context of the existing buildings.”
Joss Construction’s Project Manager, Brett McClellan welcomed the announcement and the opportunity to partner with Yackandandah Health.
“This is an exciting project for us and we look forward to bringing JWP’s architectural vision to life for the benefit of the wider community,” Mr McClellan said.