Opal Halls Head

KPA Architects obtained the development approval for a new aged care residence comprising of 134 bedrooms with dedicated MSU (Memory Support Unit) Wing, for nation-wide aged care provider Opal HealthCare.

Opal Halls Head is located on the traditional Noongar lands of Moowaanmeelup, meaning the place of the Maabaarn or ‘special old person’ (medicine person) in Noongar language.  The area has a strong indigenous narrative and rich traditions, and KPA has worked hard to ensure these are respected and celebrated in the architectural design.

The development comprises of a ‘Town Centre’ on the ground floor, including allied health, administration, café and lounge areas, with extensive landscaping and internal courtyards to support the community.  More intimate meeting places including lounges, activity spaces, audio and dining rooms, most with balconies, are also located throughout the resident wings.

The ground floor hosts the MSU wing with 18 bedrooms, whilst the second and third floors have 58 bedrooms per floor. The shape and form of the proposed aged care building has been crafted to maximise the site, provide staffing efficiencies, creating substantial landscaped spaces, and forming social areas flooded with natural light and views.

Material and palette selections have been drawn from the local Indigenous and settler history, taking on elements of the Waardong (the road name the development is placed on, which translates to ‘crow’ from Noongar language), waterways and chimneys. The palette of materials and colour reflect the Mandurah and Peel region, whilst giving a modern and contemporary look and create a harmonious balance of Indigenous and local settler history.