Best of all worlds

People heading towards retirement in the 21st century are strongly influencing the design of new retirement developments. Master-planned communities that provide a range of facilities in an attractive, secure, village-style setting are getting the big tick.

It's a concept St Andrew's Village in Glendowie, Auckland, is familiar with. The village, which is owned and operated by a charitable trust, has built a reputation for its complementary mix of independent housing, assisted living and residential care facilities.

One of the pioneers of the village community style of living, St Andrew's continues to set the benchmark for the design of retirement housing. The most recent project on site, St Andrew's Hill, was planned by renowned firm Chow:Hill Architects.

Project leader Stuart Mackie says right from the start the development was planned as a hillside village that would cascade down the slopes much like a Mediterranean hilltop town.

"Rather than creating one big development, we wanted to provide separate pockets of housing small neighbourhoods that would enhance a community feel," he says. "Crucial to this idea was the notion of landscaped public spaces. Each neighbourhood is defined by a different outdoor space, be it a village green, a water garden or rose garden. These areas are key identifying elements that encourage a sense of stewardship and social interaction."

Mackie says creating a variety of architectural styles was also essential.

"We wanted to avoid an institutional look. But there is an integrated plan an underlying structure that provides visual continuity. The traditional Mediterranean character has been translated into a consistent palette of long-lasting, robust materials. The roofs, for example, are all pitched, but feature different clay tiles. And the silhouetted skyline has plenty of visual interest."

Chow:Hill Architects says, in keeping with the notion of a village that has evolved over time, the development provides larger, landmark dwellings in key positions, such as on a street corner or at the top of a hill. These gateway buildings create a sense of arrival, and help establish a transition between neighbourhoods. In addition, the complex is layered with a variety of public, semi-public and private spaces, which include garden courtyards.

St Andrew's Village general manager Chris Dale says in recent years there has been an increasing demand for single-storey homes, with two-to-three bedrooms.

"People heading into retirement are looking for a change of lifestyle, and that doesn't necessarily mean they wish to slow down. Rather, they have different priorities. They want security, and the companionship that comes with a home in the village.

"Many residents like the idea of being able to lock up their home and know it will be safe while they travel. Having freed up funds from the sale of the family home, travel is often on the agenda."

Dale says St Andrew's added a new communal building to its village this year. Designed to maximise spectacular views across Churchill Park, the Tamaki Estuary and Gulf islands, the building incorporates a residents' lounge, library, media room, gymnasium and office facility. All the reception areas lead out to an expansive balcony.

For more information, contact St Andrew's Village, 207 Riddell Rd, Glendowie, Auckland, phone (09) 575 9059, website: www.standrewsvillage.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas