ARCARE SEVEN HILLS

Arcare Seven Hills forms part of the Clearview Urban Village on the former Seven Hills TAFE site. The aged care facility is located at the end of a cul de sac and overlooks parkland and has views across Brisbane. The development has 106 residential suites, including a dedicated sensitive care wing. It’s modern aesthetic complements the character of the new urban village. Access to the site from an existing cul de sac was tight, and there were adjacent overland flows and protected trees that had to be retained. The limited access included a shared easement and a 10 metre cross fall over the site. This led to several design decisions that then dictated the building’s footprint, in order to maximise the interior space within the shared easements. The design follows the Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ initiative. Access to external balconies is maximised and operable windows and doors provide residents with flexibility in getting fresh air. Planters bring landscaping to the higher levels and there are sightlines to existing bushland. Natural light and are considered throughout the design, allowing residents to see outside from most corridors and orientate themselves easily. Spaces throughout the building are designed for residents’ enjoyment, comfort and wellbeing, and include a hairdresser salon, a central café, private dining area, sitting rooms, and lounge and dining spaces with external access and private decks.