Work is well underway on the BlueCross Springfield redevelopment where BLP have been engaged as the Principal Architect. Initially designed and approved by the Council in 2012, BLP redesigned the building to ensure the development met current design parameters and market expectations.
Comprising the development of a three-storey building, the new design enhances the living environment for residents through a variety of generously sized room designs that start from 20sqm and each include a private ensuite. The residences have all been designed to provide ample daylight, natural ventilation and a strong connection with the outdoors.
Robert Harris, BlueCross Springfield’s Property Development Manager commented: “Meticulous planning and attention are the hallmarks of BlueCross’ Springfield aged care residence in Box Hill. Our aim is to constantly build on past successes so that the level of service and care provided to residents and staff welfare can be further improved.”
A reconfiguration of the layout resulted in improved amenity for both residents and staff with enhanced shared communal spaces, maintaining a functional and practical design to facilitate efficient staffing in all aspects of operation. While efficient staffing was key, maintaining a residential feel with a 4.5 star hotel quality was also vital. A retail “street” environment is centrally located to provide a sense of activity and engagement, as well as a cinema, café and outdoor terraces.
Robert Harris added,
The emphasis is on a domestic rather than institutional environment with touches like participation kitchens where residents can prepare light meals and private dining rooms creating a more homely feel.
The development will cater for Veterans, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse and people with dementia for which the BlueCross specialist STARlife dementia program provides a purpose built secure environment, with modifications to enhance lives. The design, décor and amenity of the facilities have been chosen for their understated quality, with a warm, rich and inviting ambiance as well as being culturally appropriate where necessary.
“Because of the representation of people with Southeast Asian backgrounds in Box Hill, a Feng Shui report was also commissioned to create culturally appropriate, environment based elements inconspicuously integrated with the residence” explains Robert Harris.
Emily Gilfillan, Sector Leader of BLP’s Seniors Living team, commented: “The BlueCross Springfield project builds on BLP’s burgeoning portfolio in the specialist Senior Living Sectors. As the sector continues to thrive, this project demonstrates our strong sector credentials and reputation for innovative, user-oriented design solutions that meet each of our clients’ bespoke needs.”
