Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
Curtin Heritage Living’s Cottesloe Redevelopment has sensitively preserved the places heritage values while restoring its elegant Cottesloe limestone façade and distinctive Federation Queen Anne features. Through meticulous conservation works, the former Ministering Children’s League Convalescent Home and its landscape has been maintained as an integral part of Cottesloe’s iconic beachfront and a focus for the redevelopment.
The works have enhanced the building’s original features, including reconstruction of the landmark ‘pepper pot’ roof, fully expressing its original architectural intent and exuberance. The landscaping provides a setting that invites community engagement and connection to the main redevelopment. The outcome is a connection between new and old that links into the coastal environment.
Curtin Heritage Living’s dedication to the conservation of a significant heritage place and considered integration with the broader redevelopment has delivered a commendable heritage outcome whilst accommodating contemporary use and enriching the overall development.
Curtin Heritage Living, a not-for-profit aged care provider, has been serving the older residents of Cottesloe at the State heritage-registered Wearne Hostel, formerly known as the Ministering Children’s League Convalescent Home since 1897. This site has been a cornerstone of philanthropy for 128 years.
In 2016, a redevelopment project began on the two-hectare site, with staged construction completed in 2024. This redevelopment was carefully managed to ensure the ongoing care of existing residents. The project involved the removal of large areas of the 1984 and 2016 developments, making way for new four-storey residential accommodations on the north and east sides of the site. The historic Wearne Hostel buildings were transformed into a community hub and office, complete with a small theatre and art studios.
The project is notable for its enhancement of the site’s heritage values, upgraded amenities, and the renewed prominence of the Wearne Hostel’s Federation Queen Anne style architecture. The redevelopment was guided by the Burra Charter process, ensuring that the new structures did not overshadow the historic hostel. The open landscape around the west and south-west of the site preserves significant views of the Wearne Hostel as it was originally designed to be seen.
Conservation efforts included careful paint removal from limestone walls, the reinstatement of original verandahs and interior spaces, and the reconstruction of distinctive elements like the pepperpot roof. The project successfully integrated contemporary community spaces within the existing configuration, demonstrating technical expertise and a commitment to heritage preservation.
This redevelopment stands demonstrates expert heritage architectural guidance, successfully delivering the vision of Curtin Heritage Living, placing heritage at the heart of their strategy for success.
The design of our accommodation for older people plays a crucial role in enhancing workforce efficiency, resident well-being, and daily operations. Thoughtful layouts, such as open spaces and easy to navigate walkways, allow staff to move quickly and safely, reducing response times and promoting collaboration.
For residents, the comfortable, homelike environment encourages independence and dignity, along with the confidence of support being close at hand. Incorporating accessibility features ensures safety and convenience. Efficient zoning for different activities, like dining and recreation, streamlines operations, improving overall care quality while promoting a calm, supportive atmosphere.
Brandon Pratley, Project Architect
Marilyn Howden, Project Architect
Philip Griffiths, Project Architect
Hames Sharley, Lead Design Architect – Main Development
Hames Sharley, Interior Designer
Grounds Kent Architects in association with SPH Architecture + Interiors., Master planning and Design Architects
Total Project Management, Project Manager
Hassell, Landscape Consultant
Pritchard Francis (Now Colliers Engineering and Design), Structural Engineer
ESC Engineering, Electrical Consultant
Gravity Hydraulic Solutions, Hydraulic Consultant
Geoff Hesford Engineering, Mechanical Consultant
Firesafe Group, Fire Services Engineer
Resolve Group, Building Surveyor
Stantec, Acoustic Consultant
Mend Consulting, Materials Consultant
MNG, Surveyor
Floth, Wet Fire Services Consultant
Jensen Hughes, Accessibilty
Full Circle Design Services, ESD Consultant
Pritchard Francis, Civil Consultant
Parker Black and Forrest Pty Ltd, Door Hardware Consultant