The design of contemporary aged care facilities now takes its cue from residential layouts, with long corridors and shared facilities being relics of the past. Mimicking a homelier environment is important for residents’ comfort, and requires the use of materials normally seen in homes, not hospitals.

Ryman Healthcare has been developing retirement living in Victoria for more than six years, with properties that offer independent apartments, assisted living, care and dementia facilities.

According to Martyn Osborn, Victoria construction manager, Ryman Healthcare, aged care has changed significantly over the last 10 years.

“Ryman’s aged care designs are now more bespoke. Our residents are looking for more than a standard retirement village; they’re moving from their homes and want to live in something similar."

“The future of aged care is going to get better and better as more people move into aged care facilities. The years of walking down long corridors with shared facilities has gone. Now all care rooms have their own facilities, and are more private and homely."

“The challenge when designing an aged care facility is making sure everything is attractive, particularly the elements that need to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). It’s important to make sure our aged care facilities don’t look like hospitals,” commented Osborn.

“Our aged care facilities need to be user friendly, which includes making everything feel homely and not sterile. This is a big thing for our residents. Using plasterboard systems helps us create aged care facilities that look like a normal home.”

Knauf plasterboard has been installed throughout all Ryman Healthcare facilities over the last six years. Products used include standard plasterboard, Firestop, WetStop, and Soundstop. Knauf steel framing is also applied along with a mix of insulation products for thermal and acoustic applications.

Ryman Healthcare collaborates with the Knauf sales and technical teams to ensure each building meets compliance requirements and achieves or exceeds specifications.

“Knauf provides Ryman with great service,” said Osborn. “We get regular inspections on installed products to make sure contractors have installed them correctly. There have been no warranty issues to date. Stock is always available when required, which is ideal for the latest project, Nellie Melba. This facility includes five buildings, and we have the stock delivered as needed."

The opinions expressed by employees of Ryman Healthcare above are the opinions of those third parties and should not be taken to reflect the views or opinions of Knauf.

Architecture & Design Team

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