A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Aged Care

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International contractor Brookfield Multiplex has been hired by Greengate to build an $80 million aged care and retirement village in Sydney’s southern suburb of Kogarah.
The new St Patrick’s Green Aged Care and Retirement Village at 42- 48 Chapel Street will be a 21,000 square metre development and have three buildings. 
It will comprise 105 independent living units and a 92-room residential aged care facility that can fit in 100 beds. 
The village will have a communal lawn, café and terrace, lounge, theatrette, dining, hair salon and gym. 
Construction is scheduled for completion by late-2017. 
The site neighbours St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and is on the former Bethany College site, where the old college buildings were recently decommissioned for the new project.
David Ghannoum, regional managing director NSW at Brookfield Multiplex, said the St. Patrick’s Green Aged Care and Retirement Village was another addition to its experience in building aged-care facilities. 
The contractor is already working on two others — The Terraces in Paddington and the Mark Moran seniors living village in Vaucluse, said Ghannoum.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Brookfield Multiplex to build $80 million aged care facility in Sydney’s Kogarah

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Aged care not-for-profit group Benetas has sold its redundant East Brighton respite facility to another aged care provider for $19 million, some 75 percent over the reserve price, in a deal brokered by Savills.
The ageing baby boomer population is driving the market for aged care facilities and properties, according to Savills’ Clinton Baxter, who managed the expressions of interest campaign with Julian Heatherich and Jesse Radisich. 
The 68-76 Union Street property is close to the East Brighton retail precinct and the Nepean Highway, and walking distance to parks and recreation facilities. 
It comprises a 5,751 square metre site, zoned Neighbourhood Residential.
Baxter said 10 offers were received and competition between three leading aged care providers pushed the price well beyond the vendor’s expectations and achieved a record land sale rate of $3300 a square metre.
"The most significant driver has been the growing demand from the cashed up Baby Boomer generation and that is only going to continue as more of that generation reach retirement and beyond,’’ Baxter said.
Heatherich said the latest research from Leading Age Services Australia suggested 60,000 more residential care places were needed, along with infrastructure investment of $30 billion by 2025.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Benetas sells aged care facility in Melbourne for $19 million through Savills

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Strong growth in Australia’s aged care sector has underpinned the sale of a 4,071 sqm landholding in Sydney's North Manly.
An aged care provider secured the Warringah Golf Club’s clubhouse facilities at 397 Condamine Street.
The sale follows the proposed relocation of Warringah Golf Club’s clubhouse facilities to a new site on the golf course, or close to it. 
The deal was brokered by CBRE’s Aaron Arias, Richard Gell and Matthew Sartori. The actual price wasn't disclosed.
“The strong result reflects the current strength in demand for residential development and aged sites in the sub $20 million price range," Arias said.
CBRE’s health, aged care and retirement living specialist Matthew Sartori said while many providers look to acquire regional bed licenses to operate facilities prior to acquiring greenfield sites, some operators were looking to purchase greenfield sites earlier to guarantee location of choice. 
“Typically, aged care has not been able to compete with the residential development market on prime sites, but with a bit of a shift within the market, and with perceived over-supply of residential in certain areas, with the right site criteria, this is changing – as demonstrated by this sale,” Sartori said. 
Further evidencing the momentum in the aged care market, a private operator recently secured a residential site within the mid-north coast region, close to health facilities.
Also in Sydney’s northern suburbs, a Frenchs Forest site within the proposed Health Employment Precinct exchanged hands with healthcare development being the most likely future use. CBRE brokered the deal. 
“The elderly and healthcare will play a significant part of our economy and country for years to come, as well as countries around the world, in an unprecedented way,” Sartori said. 
 
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Aged care provider secures Warringah Golf Clubhouse site in Sydney

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Shane Moran, of the Moran health care family, is the mystery buyer of Darling House, the priciest cottage yet sold in the NSW Government's Millers Point sell-off.
He paid $7.7 million for the 1840's Georgian Regency property which was previously an low income aged care facility. He now plans a boutique low care aged care enterprise.
It's no great surprise as the visionary Moran family have a very long association with heritage buildings across Sydney.
The property was marketed with the possibility to be turned into a grand family home, but Moran is intent on re-establishing its previous use.
But with an intimate club-like 10 rooms, it will be aimed squarely at wealthy retirees whose middle aged children likely work and live in the city proximity.
Set back from the street on 759 sqm, the standalone sandstone house offers ten bedrooms, ten ensuite bathrooms and picturesque gardens in a quiet enclave.
It's a little less grand that where Shane calls home. That's Swifts, the 56 room neo-Gothic castlelated mansion in Darling Point.
Darling House, formerly known as the Rocks Cottage Type Hospital, was sold by Richard Shalhoub of McGrath in conjunction with Shayne Harris from Savills.
The transformation of the suburb is set to make Millers Point a very special part of the city.
Darling House was first owned by local businessman Joseph Farris whose early tenants including surgeon, Leopold Sachs. 
The Sydney Harbour Trust took over the property in 1901.
This article was first published in the Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Shane Moran to open Millers Point aged care home

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The currently ingrained ‘business as usual’ approach to retirement living and residential aged care requires radical transformation to suit Australia’s ageing population.

Approximately 12 per cent of Australia’s population are over the age of 65, a statistic that’s expected to increase to 16 per cent by 2030. The next generation of retirees - the baby boomers - are expected to be the wealthiest cohort of retirees the nation has seen yet. These consumers have greater expectations of their retirement years than previous generations.

In a world where 75 is the new 55, developers and facility operators are being offered the chance to cash in on these markets where growth is virtually guaranteed. However, despite these clear opportunities, Australia’s residential aged care and retirement facilities are already showing signs of falling behind.

Here we explore three out-dated assumptions of aged care design that are jeopardising and restricting innovative solutions:

<h2>Assumption one: All retirees have similar housing needs</h2>

The University of NSW prepared a report for the National Housing Supply Council in 2012 that identified six typical types of requirements retirees may have for housing:

<ul>
<li>Age-in-place: The group that wants to, and is able to, keep living in the family home.</li>
	<li>Local-adapters: The group that has recently or wants to, and is able to, move out of their current home but keep living in the same area.</li>
	<li>Scene-changers: The group that has recently or wants to, and is able to, move out of the current home and area to somewhere with greater amenity.</li>
	<li>Constrained-retreat: The group that wants to keep living in their current home, or even the same area, but is forced to make compromises due to financial constraints.</li>
	<li>Increased-dependency: The group that wants to stay in their current home but has to make housing or location compromises due to deteriorating health.</li>
	<li>Older-renters: The group that has reached retirement without purchasing their own home, and will need to retain or find ongoing rental accommodation.</li>
</ul>
Local-adaptors and scene-changers, for example, will be on the lookout for well-appointed and convenient housing in middle and inner ring suburbs as well as sought-after sea and tree change locations.

Constrained-retreat consumers will most likely need to release equity from their homes by moving to less expensive and more convenient housing in the middle and outer ring suburbs. Increased-dependency consumers will be seeking housing that provides access to assistance and services.

When we consider retirees who must move away from neighbourhoods where they have lived long term, access to activities or environments in which they can build new social networks may increase in importance, particularly to those who are single or widowed retirees. It is entirely possible that consumers require a combination of these needs, such as a single individual with increased dependency who prefers to and can afford to also be a local-adaptor, provided there are appropriate housing options available.

<h2>Assumption two: People over the age of 65 want to live in designated precincts</h2>

Many older Australians want to mix with younger people and don’t want to be typecast as being ‘old’.

The traditional retirement village and aged care home typology is an unattractive prospect to this cohort, particularly when located at sites that have limited connections with the surrounding neighbourhood.

A new approach to urban design for retirement living may also assist with avoiding negative perceptions. Considerations such as locating retirement living close to town or village centres, avoiding a “gated” appearance and incorporating cafes and community facilities that can be accessed and utilised by the wider community are all ways of achieving this. ClarkeHopkinsClarke is currently implementing these principles on our St Germain Village project in Clyde North, Victoria.

Last year in Britain, a commission chaired by a former minister recommended that new housing for the elderly and disabled should be incorporated into shopping developments, new apartment blocks and even universities to prevent the elderly from being cut off in “care ghettoes”. This idea is gaining momentum in Australia, with residential developments expected to attract a high proportion of retirees under consideration above and adjacent to well-known Victorian shopping centres such as Chadstone, Northland and Highpoint.

<h2>Assumption three: Only young people want to live in apartments</h2>

Retirees are already strong contributors to Australia’s booming apartment market. Only 6-8 per cent of retirees live in retirement villages, whereas currently, they make up approximately 30 per cent of Australia’s medium-high density housing market.

Director Project Marketing Residential at Colliers International, David Chittenden, has said,”Apartment living is now an emerging trend for [retirees]. These people don’t want to do chores, with large houses and gardens to maintain; they’re looking for an easier lifestyle with more time for themselves and a community around them.”

This sentiment has been proven to be correct on our Soho Village project in the outer suburb of Point Cook, Victoria with a large percentage of the luxury townhouses in the development being snapped up by retirees. Despite this, very few apartment developments are marketed to retirees.

Creating medium and high-density housing developments in which a portion of dwellings are either designated as ‘retirement living’ or are easily adapted for the needs of ageing consumers is a market opportunity that is currently being missed.

Such an approach would be an effective way to improve the current deficiency of downsizing options available in the middle ring suburbs of Australia’s capital cities.

Robert Goodliffe is a Partner at ClarkeHopkinsClarke and has been an architect since 1981, working predominantly on Education, Multi-Residential, and Health &amp; Aged Care projects. Robert has also been elected to serve as an Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Councillor for 2015-16.
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Robert Goodliffe

Three assumptions limiting Australian aged care design

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Yesterday Meinhardt Australia's James Hargraves explored the growing trend of <a href="/news/the-rise-of-vertical-aged-care" target="_blank">higher density aged care facilities</a> throughout Melbourne. Exploring the changing dynamics within the sector, James outlined a new model where Ageing in Place has become more apparent.

"This is driving the demand for centrally located facilities: closer to the city, closer to existing amenities and closer to the families and children of residents." Consequently vertical buildings have become more prevalent; although not hulking towers they certainly account for an increasing number of tower cranes.

Urban.com.au has chosen to highlight five of the more impressive current vertical age care/retirement designs:

<h2>619 St Kilda Road, Melbourne</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image261.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="619 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Image © Smith + Tracey"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image261.jpg?itok=dQ5F5Wp0" title="619 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Image © Smith + Tracey" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>619 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Image © Smith + Tracey</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Operator: Jewish Care</li>
	<li>Architect: Smith + Tracey</li>
	<li>Ten levels at 36.3 metres</li>
	<li>156 beds and active living centre, fitness and lifestyle facilities</li>
	<li>Medical and allied health service, employment and education centre.</li>
	<li>Café, convenience store, pharmacy and hairdresser servicing residents and the general public.</li>
	<li>Construction start 2015</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
This dynamic development will offer our elders the opportunity to live in state-of-the-art ‘small households’ with their own self-contained lounge, dining, kitchen and recreational facilities.
<cite>Jewish Care</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>97 Elgin Street, Hawthorn</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/33_97_elgin_street_hawthorn_2_ecc98e_med.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="97 Elgin Street, Hawthorn. Image © Edgard Pirrotta"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/33_97_elgin_street_hawthorn_2_ecc98e_med.jpg?itok=eFB4dtIA" title="97 Elgin Street, Hawthorn. Image © Edgard Pirrotta" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>97 Elgin Street, Hawthorn. Image © Edgard Pirrotta</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Operator: St. Joseph's Aged Care</li>
	<li>Architect: Edgard Pirrotta</li>
	<li>$35 million retirement apartment complex</li>
	<li>Five levels at 19.28 metres</li>
	<li>70 two and three-bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>Construction imminent</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
A disused school adjacent to the site is to be converted into resident facilities including a restaurant, private dining room, lounge, library, coffee bar and billiards room, and support services. The refurbished 1908 building will integrate perfectly with the modern new apartment structure which provides additional facilities such as a theatrette, multi-purpose space and wellness centre.

Sensitive heritage and streetscape issues associated with the former school and the one-hundred-fifty-year-old St Josephs church on the site have to be addressed to ensure the contemporary apartment building complements these historic structures as well as the surrounding 19th century residential architectural style.
<cite>Buxton Construction</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>107-115 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image244.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="107-115 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East. Image © CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image244.jpg?itok=YwKq3DUP" title="107-115 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East. Image © CHT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>107-115 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East. Image © CHT</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Operator: Baptcare</li>
	<li>Architect: Carabott Holt Turnicov</li>
	<li>Six buildings with 142 independent living apartments &amp; 150 aged care beds</li>
	<li>252 car parking spaces</li>
	<li>Resident’s community centre</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
It is considered that the application constitutes a well conceived architecturally interesting development...The proposal fulfils a need for additional aged care and age in place accommodation within The Pines Major Activity Centre and the Manningham municipality in general.
<cite>Manningham City Council</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>39 Livingstone Road, Vermont South</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/livingstone_vermont_drone_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="39 Livingstone Road, Vermont South midway through construction. Image © De Nova Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/livingstone_vermont_drone_01.jpg?itok=4rjiavjQ" title="39 Livingstone Road, Vermont South midway through construction. Image © De Nova Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>39 Livingstone Road, Vermont South midway through construction. Image © De Nova Group</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Operator: BlueCross</li>
	<li>Architect: De Nova Group</li>
	<li>Part 2 and part 4 level aged care facility of 220 beds</li>
	<li>Part 4 and part 6 level building with 68 independent living apartments (Retirement Village).</li>
	<li>Lounges, communal areas, music room, commercial kitchen, hairdresser, physiotherapy</li>
	<li>Café, library, theatre, physic office, visiting practitioners suite, gym, hydro therapy pool</li>
	<li>Completion early 2015</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The proposed development, together with the proposed supporting services and recreational facilities provide a complete range of services and facilities to ensure a high quality facility for future residents.
<cite>Urbis Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>7-9 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image245.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="7-9 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image245.jpg?itok=_XlqzIjg" title="7-9 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North. Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>7-9 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North. Image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Operator: Emmy Monash Aged Care</li>
	<li>Architect: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>94 rooms over four levels</li>
	<li>49 basement car parking bays</li>
	<li>Dining, recreation and care facilities and communal courtyards</li>
	<li>Construction immediate</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The Shape Tomorrow consultation process highlighted our community’s desire for innovative aged care programs to be seamlessly offered in 21st century architect designed facilities in a convenient Caulfield North location.

The new Hawthorn Road development will represent uncompromising style, whilst offering extensive lifestyle options with levels of care expected by our community.
<cite>Emmy Monash Aged Care</cite>
</blockquote>
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silvermb

Vertical aged care in action

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The aged care sector as a whole has assets of $28 billion, looks after more than 182,000 residents and contributes more than 38,000 jobs. The Department of Health and Ageing suggests that 74,000 additional places need to be built over the next decade.

At the same time the aged care sector is changing. We are moving to a new model of Ageing in Place. This is driving the demand for centrally located facilities: closer to the city, closer to existing amenities and closer to the families and children of residents.

Building in an area with a higher urban density means thinking vertically. But how easy is it to turn the traditional horizontal aged care model vertically? Is it risky or can it be built economically? And what challenges does it pose?

In reality, a vertical aged care facility is no different to a typical traditional village structure.

Below is a picture of Glengollan Village, a new development but a more traditional approach to aged care. The Operations and Clinics are located at the front of the development. In a vertically stacked approach, this moves to the ground floor. Car parking needs to be located within walking distance of the clinics. This would now be the basement level, easily accessible via lift. Intensive Care needs to be close to the Operations hub and is therefore located on the First Floor. The Assisted/Aided Care rooms are traditionally located further away. These now become the top floors, similar to apartment living.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirisemodeldiagram.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Differing methods of aged care. Image courtesy Meinhardt"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hirisemodeldiagram.png?itok=TLig3a8L" title="Differing methods of aged care. Image courtesy Meinhardt" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Differing methods of aged care. Image courtesy Meinhardt</figcaption></figure>To answer the question is it risky or can it be built economically, consider the case of the Alarm Clock Radio. Here the makers combined existing technologies to create a new product.

In the same way by stacking the traditional aged care model by using high-rise construction approaches and technologies and hospital floor plates as the backbone, we can easily create vertical aged care buildings.

The vertical similarities of high-rise residential are clear. We have parking in the basement, a foyer or even commercial level, the apartments in the higher value upper portions of the building and your services at the top.

Horizontally, as with hospitals, there are wet-area set downs, regular grids, suspended banded slabs, and central access cores, used structural for lateral stability and to provide multiple points of egress

<h2>Carlton Wellbeing – Building 5</h2>

The Carlton Wellbeing Precinct Project in Melbourne will provide three standalone buildings arranged around a new central public park, and will consist of retirement living, aged and assisted care accommodation and community services. Building 5, which is nearing completion, is an example of how vertical aged care can work successfully.

The consultant team, which included architects dwp/Suters and Jackson Architecture, was given the challenge to provide 75 parking spaces, provide large open spaces common to traditional aged care community rooms and common living spaces, but with additional retail opportunities, future proof the development and ensure significant amounts of natural light to give it a homely feel.

The 2 split level floors of the car park needed to cater for staff, resident and family use. The parking spots have fixed dimensions that could not be modified that are set out in the Australian Standards. However, this was resolved using common transfer structures found in most high-rise developments.

Throughout the rest of the project, the design team worked together to eliminate transfer structures and create a flat plate situation for the slab, thus reducing formwork and manual labour costs. As the most expensive part of a building is labour, having thicker slabs and higher material quantities but a simple build is more cost effective.

By reducing steps and changes in geometry in the slabs it speeds up the cycle time to build suspended floors. This process has reduced costs and allowed more architectural features to remain part of the building post tender, creating a more attractive end product.

To create the open spaces needed, by allowing the core to do the work maximises space on the floor plate that would otherwise be taken up with shear walls and larger columns. It also gives freedom to the architect on the appearance of the façade, amount of light and space at the building edge. Again this is an approach we often take in high-rise construction.

The residential floors also had to be flexible for possible future expansion of the wards and potential operational changes, which may require conversion to apartment space. By designing a flat 3kPa general live load – a common solution to this challenge – the desired flexibility has been achieved.

The final challenge of the architectural brief was to blend the building in with the rest of the development and surrounding residential profile of the neighbourhood. In keeping with the flexibility required the engineering team developed a light weight precast wall system that was load bearing to reduce columns. This is typical of residential towers within and around Melbourne.

Taking models and learnings from other sectors vertical aged care is easily achievable and, indeed, Carlton Wellbeing – Building 5 demonstrates that it can be done very successfully.

As the population continues to age and the model of ageing in place gains further traction, there is no reason we will not see the continued rise of vertical aged care.

This article first appeared on <a href="http://practicalimagination.info/" target="_blank">practicalimagination.info</a>, Meinhardt Australia's blog for new ideas, thought leadership and educational events.
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