aroha care centre alterations
& additions

TAITA HOME TRUST BOARD - LOWER HUTT

Alterations and additions to the existing rest home and aged-care hospital included a multipurpose chapel that has become a focal point for the residents. Because of space constraints on the site, there wasn't the opportunity to provide separate facilities, therefore, this chapel also acts as a recreation room, social space and meeting area.

While the main focus is to provide a place for worship, we included a number of additional features in the design to comfortably allow for multiple uses. These include decks and patios on both sides of the chapel to allow for indoor/outdoor flow, a moveable indoor bowling mat that slides out from under the stage, large storage cupboards for chairs and tables, folding doors that allow smaller meeting or activity spaces to be partitioned off or opened up as required, and a kitchen and serving area for refreshments.

We have designed the chapel to tie in sensitively with the architecture of the existing village – in materials, colours, and roof forms. Natural stone on the exterior provides a feeling of nature, solidity and strength, while stained-glass windows (provided by bequest) help create an atmosphere for worship and quiet contemplation. The result is a facility that is used every day – from exercise classes to recreation and craft classes to functions and worship.