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CHT Bernadette Aged Care

Tauranga, New Zealand

Client: CHT Aged Care

Sector: Residential, Retirement and Aged Care

CHT had a vision to develop a space that truly cared for its residents. Its main focus was ensuring every resident felt safe and comfortable with the aim to design a modern and inviting facility, turning the idea of a typical care unit into a warm, personal and homely haven. 

At a glance

CHT had a vision to develop a space that truly cared for its residents. Its main focus was ensuring every resident felt safe and comfortable with the aim to design a modern and inviting facility, turning the idea of a typical care unit into a warm, personal and homely haven. 

The challenge

The existing facility was outdated and encompassed uneven floors, small rooms and convoluted layout. These conditions not only failed to meet the needs of both residents and staff but also posed challenges for residents in terms of easy navigation. The existing building had also been extended over various eras, resulting in a range of problems such as unsafe ramps and a limited number of bathrooms. It was clear that a renovation was necessary to address these issues and improve the overall functionality and safety of the facility.

Our response

The new CHT building was designed with a strong focus on making residents feel at home while supporting their safety and overall quality of life. The vision was to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere, mirroring the warmth of a home, while honouring the unique dignity and individuality of every resident.

The peaked roofs of the rooms add visual interest to the exterior while the main lounge’s ceiling follows this roof shape, creating a more open and spacious feel. Each room provides external access to a patio, and the sheltering walls extend from the building for privacy.

Residents have easy access to the gardens, and the lounge and courtyard are immediately visible upon entering, promoting openness and transparency. Skylights and solar tubes allow natural light to permeate the building, creating a welcoming and friendly environment. Doors to rooms are a different colour than the walls for easy identification, and staff-only entries match the wall colour. Handrails provide accessibility throughout the facility.

A walkway has been created around the exterior of the building which can be enjoyed by residents and guests.

The impact

The new facility results in a more functional and secure living space for residents. The upgrade has created a welcoming and comfortable environment, where residents can feel at ease and enjoy a higher quality of life. Additionally, it has brought notable economic benefits to the client. 

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