Cairns aged care facility wins architecture award
A residential aged care facility in Cairns has taken out the 2009 Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Award for its innovative design. The Morinda Aged Care Facility by Clarke and Prince architects received top accolades, while six other projects were awarded commendations.
Queensland State Awards jury director, Justin O’Neill, praised the structure for its “homely” feel and seamless integration with the outdoors.
“The ‘H’ shaped plan maximises access to the landscape and natural light, while also reducing the bulk of the building within its suburban neighbourhood,” he said of the Masonic Care Queensland building.
“A high level of thought has been given to personalising the spaces as much as possible. This is a worthy addition to research into the possibilities of ageing in place for the community”.
Two of the remaining projects acknowledged for their efforts shared in the 2009 House of the Year Award. All commendation recipients are now in the running for Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane on 17 July.
A total of 18 projects entered the regional awards, ranging from as far north as Cassowary, east to Mareeba, south to Innisfail and west to Willis Island in the Coral Sea.
