designed by iredale pedersen hook, the ‘fitzroy crossing renal hostel’ provides long term accommodation for aboriginal people from outlaying communities receiving renal dialysis. located in the small western australian town of fitzroy crossing, remotely situated 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the nearest town, the healthcare facility provides humane support for residents who may be self sufficient or have a carer living with them. the project was recently honored at the 2017 world architecture festival, the largest, annual, international, live architectural event.

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
all images courtesy of the world architecture festival

 

 

with the design, iredale pedersen hook sought to create a safe environment for residents to wander and gather with each other, as well as the wider community. the facility comprises 13 one- or two- bedroom spaces, which have been distributed over six small ‘houses’. the units are all wheelchair accessible and, importantly, protect residents from mosquitoes. a front porch allows for public engagement, while a verandah at the rear offers more private accommodation. meal preparation and other duties are performed by the facility staff in a communal amenity building.

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
the hostel is located in the remote western australian town of fitzroy crossing

 

 

light is filtered through colored screens that run along the side of the structure, responding to the facility’s various scales of gathering. for this reason, the hostel was awarded ‘the best use of colour prize’ at the world architecture festival (WAF) where the judges found the project to be ‘sensitive, elegant and well balanced’. the WAF panel also commended the perth-based firm for ‘a design that uses holistically integrated color relative to the landscape and the local community. as the project’s main function is healing, the use of color creates an emotional context that is deeply supportive and nurturing’.

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
light is filtered through colored screens that run along the side of the structure

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
the architects sought to create a safe environment for residents to wander and gather

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
simple materials and construction methods were used throughout

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
a front porch allows for public engagement, while a verandah at the rear offers a more private setting

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
the facility is for aboriginal people from outlaying communities receiving renal dialysis

 

 

iredale pedersen hook fitzroy crossing
world architecture festival (WAF) is the largest, annual, international, live architectural event. it includes the biggest architectural awards programme in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence via live presentations to an audience of high-profile delegates and international juries. WAF is a three-day event for architects and interior design professionals to celebrate, learn, exchange, and be inspired. the 2017 world architecture festival comprises 5 key elements: the WAF awards; a thematic conference programme; an exhibition of award entries; sponsor and exhibitor stands; a series of networking/social events, as well as WAF fringe activities. INSIDE world festival of interiors runs alongside WAF, with its own awards and conference programme.