The 2021 project focus was on respite for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

The design challenge was, how to design sensitive, appropriate respite accommodation, using disused and derelict buildings as a potential site in times of a pandemic.

The site was the disused Novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy convent in Rosanna. This 3-storey gothic edifice, a monument to the might of the Catholic Church in Australia was opened as a convent and teaching facility in 1930. The nuns were very active in the early years, with the local community and educated many children. As Australia became more secular the nun’s role diminished and the convent was decommissioned, and the building was sold in 1991.

Site:

Assisi Centre Aged Care.