SPH won a design competition run by Bethanie to provide architectural and interior design services for this new resident-centred aged care home at Dalyellup, near Bunbury.

Located in the town centre – close to shops, parks and the beach – it provides a range of dementia care, palliative care and high care services for the local community.  In keeping with Bethanie’s care philosophy that centres each resident’s unique story and tailors services to their individual needs, SPH developed a hybrid small household model that offers significant benefits to residents, visitors staff and our client.

By organising the accommodation into 20-bed households – each with their own character and sense of community – the design breaks down the scale of the building and prioritises resident wayfinding.

An additional level of in-built design flexibility allows the 20-bed households to function as two separate smaller households of 10-beds. We achieved this flexible household model by centralising and sharing household services, such as dining serveries, sculleries and other amenities.

The high quality of the overall design – combined with this optimised and streamlined functionality that enables staff to assist each other on day-to-day tasks. – assists our client to attract and retain staff, in a sector that has ongoing staff supply shortages.  

One of the most significant advantages of this innovative model is that it facilitates the development of close and longer lasting relationships between residents and staff, based on mutual understanding of individual care needs, thereby resulting in better overall care.

A similar level of consideration has been applied to the exterior spaces that surround the facility. The landscaped gardens feature an intergenerational exercise and playground area and café, all of which are accessible by the local community.

Residents can partake in passive or active pursuits, depending on their own needs and abilities, and these shared amenities enrich community engagement and foster a sense of inclusion and belonging for residents.

Other amenities include the Daly bar, hairdresser, therapy, wellness and pain management rooms, a large multipurpose room plus lounges, dining areas and pause points.

With its strong focus on resident and staff well-being, Dalyellup provides an inviting and attractive care setting that caters to the holistic needs of its residents, supporting each person to live life as they choose.