AT FOUR storeys high and around 3.3 metres wide the image of an Australian soldier, head bowed, his rifle reversed, dominates the side of an Engadine building.
The soldier's silhouette appears through the open slats of the new Moran Engadine aged care home and overlooks a memorial cairn on a black marble plinth on the street below.
Until last Sunday the soldier's image was covered before being officially unveiled.
The soldier artwork, designed by Michael Heenan of Allen Jack+Cottier Architects, is constructed of copper strips fixed to timber batons. Vietnam veterans, soldiers from Holdsworthy base and their families gathered to celebrate the first unveiling.
Moran's project manager Vince Kachel declined to say how much the image cost but did say it would in no way affect any of the views outwards from the home.
Engadine RSL secretary Jack Abernethy said the figure represented one of four members of a catafalque party who traditionally stood guard around a casket or memorial.
The five-storey home is in the heart of the Engadine community with the town square, plaza and war memorial nearby.
There was an open day for the facility on April 12. It has 142 rooms and will employ up to 200 staff.
It officially open on April 28 when residents are due to move in.