They say big is beautiful and, with the latest project from Architectus Conrad Gargett, this statement hits the mark. The recently completed Rendu Towers and Villa Rosalie development is certainly large and provides a continuum of care within one location for senior living.

The project spans a 6180-square-metre block and, along with dual towers of 16-storeys and 21-storeys respectively, provides a cafe, retail tenancies, commercial offices and a large integrated public park to set a new benchmark for senior living in the inner city.

John Flynn, Principal at Architectus Conrad Gargett and lead of the immense project, comments: “This development is all about community connection. By creating a large public park that links with the adjacent Waterfront Park, the wider community is invited into the development, allowing both active and passive engagement for residents to feel part of the vibrant Newstead neighbourhood.”

Located in the Brisbane suburb of Newstead, the development for Ozcare comprises two vertical living facilities – Rendu Towers apartments and Villa Rosalie for aged care and specialist dementia support.

Rendu Towers accommodates 135 residences that includes eleven Sky Homes and three Sky Pavilions. There are a range of communal facilities across an interconnecting level and Club Rendu features a heated swimming pool, club lounge, private dining room, library, cinema, chapel and wellness centre. The design embraces the subtropical climate and lifestyle of Brisbane and promotes connection between residents at every opportunity. There are glorious city and river views, yet privacy is assured.

On the other hand, Villa Rosalie boasts a 120-bed residential aged care facility across three floors with an entire level devoted to residents with dementia. The interior has been artfully crafted as welcoming and familiar with clinical support areas concealed. Access to the outside has also been included with two large, landscaped terraces on level four.

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Many of the aged care rooms have private balconies with expansive views and in-room amenities include refrigerators, offering a level of independence for residents. The natural interior material palette provides a relaxed aesthetic and furnishings are comfortable and appropriate. Other amenities include a hair salon and day spa, large function and activity rooms, chapel, cinema and myriad lounge spaces for residents and visiting family members.

“We have carefully designed the landscaping, terraces and screenings to create a bright and airy indoor-outdoor living environment for the aged care residents,” says Dr YE Ng, Associate Principal at Architectus.” It’s crucial to foster a home-like atmosphere that is comfortable and familiar, where residents can access the outdoors and continue to their daily lifestyle, just like at home.”

It’s sobering to realise that over the next four decades it is predicted that there will be a threefold increase in people aged over 85 (refer Australian Government’s 2023 Intergenerational Report), so now is the time to set the benchmark high for best practice design for senior and aged care living.

While growing old gracefully is the ultimate goal, living well can only be achieved with the support of great design and such projects as Rendu Towers and Villa Rosalie. Through this project, Architectus Conrad Gargett has thoughtfully centred aged care, health and wellness. In conceiving Rendu Towers and Villa Rosalie, along with the multiplicity of facilities and a park for all, there is the opportunity today to live with dignity and comfort and to do so in supreme style.

Architectus Conrad Gargett
architectus.com.au

Photography
Christopher Frederick Jones

More aged care design with FK