Regis Aged Care, Woodlands

The site has a strong existing character with clusters of mature native trees around the perimeter of the facility. The retention of these trees is a key principle in the landscape design providing an instant vertical screen that assists in reducing the visual impact of the facility to surrounding residents. New tall growing evergreen tree planting has been incorporated around the site in verges and carpark areas to further enhance the screening provided from the existing trees.

The landscape design for Regis Woodlands aims to seamlessly integrate the building with the landscape creating a development which is sympathetic to the surrounding suburban context.

Supplementing the perimeter landscape treatment are native plantings and a meandering ‘bush land’ walk trail beneath the existing trees connecting to the surrounding footpath network. This walk trail provides a sensory and textural walking experience and areas of respite for residents, visitors, and surrounding residents.   Paving materials for the perimeter landscape reflect colours, textures and forms of the architectural style of the development and integrate with the surrounding natural environment. Well defined building entry points and a fully accessible path system link various areas

Internal courtyards and roof gardens over each level of the facility, provide a variety of spaces for the residents and staff and are carefully designed to engender a strong sense of ownership, community and uniqueness. The design has drawn on inspirations from the underlying themes of landscape sustainability incorporating an innovative use of space, creative use of both native and hardy exotic planting’s and sensitive integration with surrounding and existing site features.

The largest of the courtyard spaces is a series of Dementia wing “Sensory Courtyards” which aim to create a contemporary translation of the more traditional ‘nurturing’ gardens. Paved areas together with raised planters within these courtyards provide seating for residents as well as gardening and activity opportunities.   The central paved area provides a continuous loop walk trail allowing residents to meander and explore the different spaces and the various sensory and familiarity elements. Plants with contrasting foliage colour and texture are used throughout, and together with aromatic flower / leaf species, herbs, vegetables and shade trees, creates a contemplative and restful environment.