Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House - one year on

A year after the project was completed at the Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House we visited the to see what benefits the project has brought to its local community.


LCCNH is a not for profit and very proactive organization that runs several programs for disadvantaged people in the local area. According to Michael Pernar, CEO at LCCNH, the pro-bono services provided were instrumental in obtaining State Government funding to finance the project. The design proposed included an office space that accommodates 5 workers and a new classroom that meets the current standards. A relatively modest reconfiguration of the interior has resulted in a greatly improved space for staff to continue to deliver key services to the community.

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Laverton Community Centre + Neighbourhood House - Works complete!

We are very excited to report that an Architects for Peace pro bono project has recently been completed!

We were approached in 2010 by the Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House, a not for profit group managed by the local community, that was operating from cramped and inadequate premises and in need of design services and funding for refurbishment. After advertising the project, we successfully matched architect Brad Hooper and interior designer Brooke Thorne with the LCCNH.

Brad and Brooke worked collaboratively to prepare a schematic design for refurbishment works to the facility. This work was instrumental in enabling the LCCNH to secure funding for construction. Planning and building permits were obtained early this year and the client acted as owner-builder to carry out the works.

All of us at Architects for Peace extend our thanks and congratulations to the two dedicated pro bono service providers who made this project happen!

Stay tuned for images of the completed works...

Laverton Community Centre + Neighbourhood House

LCCNH is a not for profit Neighbourhood House managed by the local community. It offers family support, social and educational activities to all sectors of the local community, especially disadvantaged community group.

LCCNH  applied for a community grant to assist them in upgrading their current premises.  They currently operate from a small house with minimal storage and inadequate space for their 5 staff members.   The rear of the house contains classrooms where adult training is provided. Courses include cooking, English language and computer skills. 

A pro bono service provider was required to assist LCCNH with their grant application. Architects for Peace Pro Bono assisted in matching two applicants, Brad Hooper & Brooke Thorne, to assist with the grant application.  Brad Hooper (director of Brad Hooper Architect) and Brooke Thorne (interior designer & lecturer at Swinburne University) formed a team and worked with the client to produce initial concept drawings and an opinion of probable costs for the project.

The client was then able to incorporate these documents into their grant application.  The grant application was submitted at the start of March 2009 and we are awaiting a response. 

The team that was formed between Brad and Brooke was a great example of how architecture & design firms can team up with graduates and students to support each other and help provide pro bono services.  The skills of both service providers complimented each other.  As well as being an architect, Brad's previous experience as the Chair of the Management Board at the Port Melbourne Neighbourhood House meant that he understood the complexities of such projects and organisations.  Brooke's passion for pro bono work, interior design background and drawing skills assisted in providing design input and relevant drawings to the client.    

Laverton Community Centre + Neighbourhood House

Laverton Community Centre + Neighbourhood House




LCCCNH is a not for profit Neighbourhood House managed by the local community which offers family support, social and educational activities to all sectors of the Laverton community, especially disadvantaged community groups.

The Neighbourhood House provides adult training in a variety of areas including cooking, language and computer skills. These programs have been of assistance to new immigrants settling in the area as well as other individuals and families.

The original building is a small house designed in 1975. Currently, 5 staff members work in a cramped space with very little storage. The meeting area is the front 'lounge room' which doubles as their lunch room and main storage area.

LCCCNH require an architect or interior designer to assist them with a grant application under the Modernising Neighbourhood Houses Program. They require assistance in clarifying their space requirements and how the interior can be reworked to accomodate 5 workers, volunteers, a private meeting room and lots of storage.

Grants between $50,000 to $80,000 are available and the application must be submitted before March 2nd 2009.

If you are interested in undertaking this project please email kalli@architectsforpeace.org for more information.