Each Living Quarters dwelling is divided into two distinct areas. In the private program of four generous ensuite bedrooms, each resident has their own “quarter” of the house — with views to the common garden area, openable windows and substantial natural light. In the public program, the communal kitchen/ living/ dining, bathroom, laundry, office and prayer room all enjoy framed views to the natural landscape — and across to the neighbouring dwelling. The collocation of the two dwellings creates a miniature village of eight residents, with diverse outdoor spaces to encourage a variety of social interaction. The centrally-located outdoor dining table becomes the common hearth of the village. Two smaller courtyards serve as a quiet retreat for one or two people. The common garden doubles as the main arrival point, with the potential for personalised garden plots. Living Quarters’ intrinsic division into smaller built forms allows the surrounding vegetation to weave between the buildings. The siting of the two modular pavilions on the property — with minimal impact on native vegetation — was a collective effort of clients (who already lived onsite), landscape architect, arborist and architects. The result is an east-west garden corridor to the living spaces, with a serene bush backdrop. A raft of sustainability measures — rooftop solar array, rainwater tanks and double-glazed, openable windows — complete a considered green approach.

Living Quarters materials are honest, functional and inviting. Each building is set out precisely on whole block modules, with no cut bricks required. The predominant stack bond patterning is highlighted by a contrasting header course detail over the lintels. This cross-hatching introduces a subtle geometry against the backdrop of greenery and sandblasted aggregate concrete terrain. The light colour and robust performance of porcelain blockwork responds to the harshness of Australia’s climate — and allows Living Quarters to sit discreetly in its context. Timber windows further enhance the project’s natural aesthetic and residential character. It is an authentic and earnest construction palette — a key point of difference with many Australian aged care facilities. In this respect Ha Architects draw reference from thoughtfully executed, overseas examples of independent living. In the context of an ageing population, an opportunity exists to better meet Australia’s residential needs. For those caught between inaccessible housing stock and large scale aged care facilities, Living Quarters represents a hopeful new approach that puts genuine independent living within reach. With inherently modular design, this new model merits further investigation and iteration. Ha Architects envisage future villages of 16, 24 or 32 residents — which still maintain the intimate scale of residential living.