Bolton Clarke is one of Australia’s most experienced and trusted providers of retirement living and engaged dwp as both architect and interior designer for their first Victorian retirement community, Europa on Alma, situated in St Kilda, Australia.

Bolton Clarke knew they they needed a design firm who shared their bold vision and after a careful selection process it was clear that dwp had the team to deliver.

Europa on Alma will incorporate over 80 one, two and three-bedroom apartments surrounding a landscaped internal courtyard. The design promotes a community with a difference, focusing on independence and well-being in a hotel-style environment that offers residents a close connection with St Kilda’s dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle that combines bayside and urban living.

All apartments are designed to be fully accessible and special features will include a dedicated cinema with bar and a private dining area leading outdoors to a patio, library and creative studio for arts, crafts and woodworking. There’ll also be a fully equipped gym and a sky room with expansive views

As Australia’s ageing population grows, so does the needs for complex aged care and support for people living with dementia.

dwp’s innovative solution presents five care wings catering for people with dementia, those with low and high care needs, as well as spaces for service facilities.

Internal courtyards foster immediate visual and physical connections to nature, complementing Bupa’s gardening and outdoor activities programs. The gentle and calming ambience in the outdoor spaces encourages ambling in a non-institutional setting.

From the moment of arrival, the impressive entry and hotel-like atmosphere reflect the hospitality and high quality of care offered at Mirridong.

A design that visually connects the indoor and outdoor spaces provides an uplifting environment for residents, carers and visitors. Beautiful feature gardens, paved pathways and secure verandahs encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the country elements.

An ambitious planning approach has maximised the site potential and allows for further expansion in the future.

A flexible, responsive design provides people with the best facilities for ageing in place.

Sensory and social spaces connect and support residents and their families. Spacious communal living, lounging, dining and activity areas create social connections, while a vegetable patch, BBQ area and tranquillity garden encourage residents to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

dwp’s design responds to Logan Lodge’s holistic approach to aged care and philosophy of caring as a collaborative process.

Opal’s four level residential aged care facility offering both specific dementia care and ageing in place care. The new stand-alone 128 bed facility offers a range of single and companion rooms, assisted and independent living units; all of which are spacious, furnished with warm decor and feature excellent natural light.

The challenges presented by the sloping site are met by establishing a major spine along the contours of the land. The building plan is arranged into three residential wings, each leading off a central, communal zone. Careful consideration is given to managing bulk, scale and integration with surrounding suburban context and landscape.The materials and colour palette is inspired by the striking bark of the surrounding angophora trees.

The entrance presents the facility as a welcoming lifestyle choice, achieved with a spacious, light-filled foyer and front of house that establishes an ambience of an appealing lifestyle expected in a quality seniors residence with high standards of care. Outdoor areas are landscaped to create opportunities for residents and visitors to experience a range of appropriate, accessible outdoor experiences.

A design that supports positive ageing, celebrates local culture and enhances community connections underpins this innovative retirement living development in an inner urban tower.

Everything from the sophisticated design and state of the art wellness centre to the quality of the materials and finishes reflects dwp’s vision for a place that fosters healthy, active ageing in the heart of the community.

A careful blend of accommodation and services cater for a wide range of needs, while each residence supports comfort, choice and independence, and fulfils Australian Unity’s promise of being “better together”.

Collaboration        Jackson Architecture