Griffith Cancer Accommodation

In 2023 AJC were asked to develop a concept design for a new accommodation facility in Griffith, NSW. The facility will provide temporary accommodation for rural patients travelling to the city to receive cancer treatment at Griffith hospital. We assessed opportunities across several sites, prepared several masterplan options for a preferred site, and finally developed an architectural concept design.

The architectural expression aims to provide identity, amenity and colour. Hospitals are typically white and large, and so in contrast the design for this accommodation is colourful and small scale. Buildings are articulated with colonnades which provide shade to external walkways and connect to a communal building. Materials are familiar and affordable, simply treated by colourblocking with accents of local hardwood.

A “home away from home”

Motel style accommodation, with homely features to be the antithesis of the hospital environment where guests will be spending significant amounts of time. Communal areas will feature a lounge area with adjacent dining and kitchen space, allowing guests to cook their own meals as they would in their own home.

Communal areas

Communal areas will be welcoming and central, but also separate. Often when receiving treatment, patients may have little or no appetite and feel unwell around food. The lounge space will be separate to the kitchen but connected enough to allow for ease of use. Communal areas will provide a safe space for guests to connect with others going through a similar experience. However, the spaces will also support private reflection for those not comfortable with social settings.