Where the living is easy

Good design is all about fulfilling and even exceeding a client's brief. For a new retirement village, this involves ticking a lot of boxes from the establishment of the landscaping to the specification of the apartment fit-outs.

St Peter's Green, a new village on Sydney's lower North Shore, sets a new benchmark for such developments. Right from the outset it was determined that the village would be integrated with a wide range of community facilities, including a park, cafe and a new council library.

Matthew Fisher, a director of Greengate Property Group, which is developing the facility, says the company is working in partnership with the Willoughby City Council to maximise the green spaces and facilities on offer.

"The project has been designated a new community hub for the region," he says. "This enhances its appeal."

But it is the village facilities that are also proving a major attraction. St Peter's Green is an integrated village, offering 27 independent living units in a three-storey building, and 93 residential aged-care beds operated by Catholic Healthcare.

Fisher says every aspect of this project was planned to make residents feel secure from the interior design of the independent units to the choice of fixtures, fittings and appliances.

"Extensive research and discussions with groups of senior citizens highlighted the need for good ergonomics," he says.

Consequently, apartments have wide door openings and flush floor surfaces between inside and outside. The company also specified Fisher & Paykel appliances designed for ease of operation.

These include the CT560CS ceramic cooktop, which has large control knobs, positioned at the front for accessibility. The flat surface of the cooktop means that heavy pans can be slid across the surface, rather than lifted.

Apartments also feature the Fisher & Paykel OB60SLMFX oven, which has wording and symbols in an extra-large font that is easy to read. As well, the oven has heavy-duty telescopic runners that allow food trays to slide out. This means there is no need to put hands into the hot oven and bending is minimised.

Functionality is not compromised, however. The multifunction oven offers optional fan baking and grilling and comes with a minute timer and oven light.

Ergonomics was also a factor in the choice of the stainless steel Fisher & Paykel DD60SCX6 DishDrawer. Installed at waist height, the DishDrawer provides easy access to dishes. The drawer design also ensures spills are contained within the DishDrawer, minimising any chance of liquids splashing on the floor.

Other Fisher & Paykel appliances include the slide-out HS60CSRX1 rangehood, which is hidden when not in use.

Apartments also feature the E442BRX stainless steel refrigerator with Active Smart technology, which continually monitors and adjusts the flow of cool air so food remains at the optimum temperature. Humidity-controlled vegetable drawers help keep produce fresher for longer.

Fisher & Paykel appliances were chosen for the laundries as well. These rooms are equipped with the MW512 washing machine and DE45F56EW1 dryer.

For details, contact St Peter's Green, 5 Felton Avenue, Lane Cove North, NSW 2066, phone 0404 049 922. Or visit the website: www.greengate.com.au.

For more details of Fisher & Paykel appliances, phone 1300 650 590. Website: www.fp.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas