Precedent 2- Wellington Ronald McDonald House

1. Reception
A light, bright reception area will provide a warm and secure welcome for new families. It will include a separate area for new families to check in, and a waiting area for guests.

2. Donor wall
A large feature of the reception area will be a donor wall to recognize major donors and key supporters. The wall is being created by Weta Workshop.

3. Administration offices and staff apartment
Our administration offices and an apartment for staff or volunteers will be located behind the main reception area. We operate a 24-hour service to ensure staff or volunteers are always available.

4. Underground parking, storage and utilities
The basement will provide 17 car parks and a large storage area for the generous donations of food, cleaning and other general household products we receive. A walk-in chiller and freezer will be housed here, as will a rubbish and plant room.



1. Communal and commercial kitchen and dining room
A large, communal self-catering kitchen with 8 workstations so that families have the room to cook their meals – providing them with some normality. The kitchen will include personal pantry, fridge and freezer space for each family to store their food. A communal pantry and fridge will give families access to donated food. Volunteers will use a small commercial kitchen to prepare shared family meals.

2. Five lounges
Two family lounges on the first floor, the largest just under 80 sqm, will let families relax and be together with a TV area on one side and lounges on the other. Another family lounge will be on the third floor. A childfree parents’ lounge provides a quiet sanctuary for parents, and a ‘kids only’ games lounge offers a distraction for sick children and their siblings.

3. Outdoor and Children’s play area
Families will be able to relax, dine and barbeque while children play in a private outdoor area.



1. Gym
A gym is the most requested new facility. Parents spend many hours beside their
child’s hospital bed and would like the opportunity to exercise. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and contribute to the wellbeing of worried parents. A small gym will be located on the second floor.

2. Four self-contained apartments
The apartments have been designed to meet the extra special needs of some families. For example:
- Families of children with compromised immune systems. These children can leave the hospital environment but can’t mix with other people.
- Families facing the imminent death of their child. These families need space and privacy to allow them to come to terms with their situation and grieve.
- Parents facing a lengthy stay in the House. These families need a change of environment to boost their spirits.

3. Thirty ensuite bedrooms
These homely rooms will be of varying sizes to cater for different sized families. Rooms will sleep single parents, three to four people or large families of up to five.