Completed in August 2023, Plan Group collaborated with ASSA ABLOY to enhance the accessibility and functionality of Victoria’s only children’s hospice, Very Special Kids House, located in Malvern VIC. This redevelopment project, led by Andrew Simpson Architects and Bamford Architects, aimed to create a vibrant and comforting environment for paediatric palliative care residents.
Featuring soft play areas, bedrooms, music and art therapy spaces, outdoor courtyards, a wheelchair-accessible playground, a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, and storage spaces for medical equipment, the hospice aims to provide comfort and diversion for children facing life-limiting conditions.
To ensure optimal accessibility for children of all abilities, the facility required an advanced door automation system. The goal was to allow residents to move around the hospice independently and comfortably, regardless of their physical capabilities.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems provided a comprehensive door automation solution, comprising a total of 26 operators, including SL521, SL500, and SW200 models. The selection of ASSA ABLOY’s products was driven by their functionality, wide clear openings, and high-end design aesthetic.
SL521 operators were strategically installed to facilitate access for beds, wheelchairs, stretchers, and mobility equipment.
The ADS-F System was chosen for its high-end design and clear aesthetic profiles, complementing the facility’s upscale fitout.
Mode switches, push buttons, sensors, and versatile remote controls (‘PentaFOBs’) were implemented to ensure ease of use for both children and caregivers.
The installation of ASSA ABLOY’s door automation system has transformed the hospice into a welcoming and inclusive space. Children, families, caregivers, and medical staff can now navigate the facility with ease, accessing essential amenities such as therapy rooms, the pool area, and the playground without barriers. The project has significantly enhanced the quality of life for residents and their families, providing them with independence, freedom, and peace of mind during challenging times.
Our commitment to excellence and compassion has played a pivotal role in realising the vision of a supportive and welcoming environment for children facing life-limiting conditions.
