Chirnside View Aged Care has been thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming, restorative and highly functional landscape that supports the wellbeing, independence and daily experiences of residents, visitors and staff. Located in Chirnside Park, the project integrates a series of interconnected outdoor spaces that respond to the specific needs of aged care living while enhancing the overall character of the site.
The landscape framework is centred around a collection of distinct courtyard environments, each designed to encourage different forms of interaction, reflection and activity. These include an Entry Courtyard that creates a welcoming arrival experience, an Active Courtyard that supports movement and social engagement, a Reflective Courtyard that offers quieter moments of retreat, and a Dementia Courtyard carefully planned to provide a secure, calming and sensory-rich environment for residents.
Extensive planting and layered vegetation were selected to create seasonal interest, improve visual amenity and establish a strong connection to nature throughout the development. Tree planting and garden beds soften the built form, provide shade and contribute to a comfortable microclimate, while accessible pathways and seating areas encourage residents to safely enjoy the outdoor spaces at their own pace.
The landscape design balances operational requirements with a warm residential character, creating an environment that feels both functional and homelike. Through carefully considered planting, circulation and communal spaces, Chirnside View Aged Care delivers a landscape that supports dignity, comfort and meaningful daily interaction for residents and their families.
RDLA’s scope for the project included schematic design, town planning, tender documentation and construction phase services, delivered in close collaboration with Smith + Tracey Architects.
The project demonstrates RDLA’s commitment to creating people-focused landscapes that enhance quality of life through thoughtful, inclusive and enduring design.
