Wheatfields Aged Care Redevelopment

SMFA had the opportunity to undertake a complete review of the existing concept design whilst cross-checking against the client and stakeholders’ requirements, and upgrades required as part of the federal government’s ACAR grant.  The review picked up multiple opportunities that could be implemented to bring functionality, cost efficiency, and construction simplicity. A best practice and holistic approach to the design was implemented to ensure suitable longevity for the facility, increased comfort for residents, staff, and visitors, and general future-proofing.

As the facility would be occupied during construction, staging and decanting became a key factor of all design considerations. Working to the limitations and requirements that this entailed, the brief was to increase the capacity of the facility to 70 Single Occupant Units with en-suites, configured to comply with BCA and residential care accreditation requirements.

The development incorporates a large activity area, internal courtyards, spaces for a café and hairdresser, medical consulting rooms, allied health consulting rooms, a fitness area, and computer facilities. The garden was also extensively redeveloped with the incorporation of undercover garden areas, whilst external access from a majority of the rooms, a new fire sprinkler system, upgraded floor coverings, inclusion of smart TVs in all resident rooms and an education/board room were also included.