01. Kununurra Neighbourhood House

Project Architect - Mark Phillips Architect

Documentation - Build-Up Design Architects

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Kununurra Neighbourhood House (KNH) is a not-for-profit family support service that is committed to providing emotional and practical support to lessen the impacts of isolation; through development of support groups & networks, and through providing education & information to individuals and families - especially to those who are socially, culturally, geographically and economically disadvantaged. In acknowledgement of the benefits that KNH has provided to the community for over 40 years, The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley has provided land and Lotterywest has provided funding for a newly constructed facility to expand the service to meet an increasing community need. 

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The new precinct is a complex of smaller buildings including a Creche, Indoor and Outdoor Activity areas, Op Shop, Meeting Room and Community Room with lots of landscaped open space between them for children to play.

 

A key concept for the design is to make the building feel like it is a "home" rather than an institution; in keeping with the name of the organisation: "Neighbourhood House". It is important that people from all walks of life feel like they can walk in to KNH and find support and relief when they need it, in an informal and comfortable environment. It is also intended to create a facility that is sustainable; and flexible enough to be able to accommodate a whole range of community organisations and activities after KNH business hours in order to offset operational costs.

 

KNH is dedicated to local community enrichment, and by providing an immediate connection for individuals to a network of families and support programs, KNH strengthens the thread that binds the community together. The design for the new building reinforces this concept of the “thread”, in the form of a dark red band that connects pathways throughout the precinct.