Project overview

Summerset St Johns is a newly opened, state-of-the-art retirement village in Auckland’s prestigious eastern suburbs. Designed to offer an exceptional living experience, it provides stunning views and convenient access to beaches, cafes, restaurants, and shopping. With resort-style amenities and Summerset’s renowned continuum of care, the village includes 225 independent living units, 55 serviced units, and 49 care and memory care suites. Residents enjoy premium facilities, including a café, bar, pool, gym, library, cinema, spa, and hair salon, ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

Design collaboration

Brought to life by Y-6 Design, led by Kate Fraser and David Coetzee, this project masterfully combines sophisticated aesthetics with practical functionality for senior living. GH Commercial played a key role by providing flooring solutions tailored to the project's unique needs – balancing durability with high-end design. Over 3,500 linear metres of carpet were selected and installed, each choice carefully curated to enhance the function and ambiance of its respective space.

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Custom flooring solutions

For areas requiring a bespoke touch, GH Commercial collaborated with the design team to create four unique custom woven carpets, two developed through the Fast Track® program. Crafted from an 80% wool and 20% synthetic blend, these carpets feature nature-inspired patterns that complement the village’s refined aesthetic. Designed for both beauty and longevity, woven carpets offer outstanding durability, maintaining their structure and visual appeal even in high-traffic areas.

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In the lobby, the Feltex Myrtle range takes centre-stage, featuring bold leaf patterns in dark grey, white, and blue undertones. Inspired by the bark of Australian native trees, this statement design blends seamlessly with the surrounding chevron timber flooring in a natural oak tone. Brass trims provide a smooth transition between materials, giving the carpet a rug-like effect with an elegant dark timber border. The result is a space that feels both relaxed and sophisticated.

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Continuing this organic theme, the café showcases a custom woven carpet from the Feltex Fast Track® Collection called Gum Nut. Inspired by the woody fruit of the Eucalyptus tree, this design was fully customised in a sepia and grey palette, creating a calming dining atmosphere. The darker floral and leaf motifs subtly contrast with the space’s dark furniture and walls, adding depth without overwhelming the setting.

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The upstairs meeting and reception areas feature a fully bespoke design inspired by the dramatic beauty of black Taurus granite. This striking carpet incorporates flowing gold and white veins against a deep black background, bringing an air of energy and sophistication while enhancing warmth and depth within the space.

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In contrast, the games room embraces a serene, oceanic theme with a fully custom carpet in deep blue and white. Designed with a minimalist two-tone approach, it evokes the tranquillity of the sea, offering a bold yet calming foundation that pairs seamlessly with the predominantly black furnishings.

Durability and style with NZ-made broadloom carpets

For the resident apartments, Godfrey Hirst’s Alabama 55oz Solution-Dyed Nylon carpet was chosen in timeless, earthy tones such as Truffle, Oilskin, Mist, and Paua. This dense, luxurious pile ensures durability, stain and fade resistance, and anti-allergenic properties – ideal for high-traffic areas.

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In premium apartments, Feltex’s Wool Carpet Heathland in Avalanche was selected for its elegant tight-loop texture and superior durability. Offering natural insulation and acoustic benefits, this near-white wool carpet elevates the high-end aesthetic while ensuring comfort and performance in senior living environments.

Summerset St Johns exemplifies how thoughtful design and high-quality materials can create an inviting, functional, and sophisticated space tailored to the needs of modern senior living.

Architecture & Design Team

GH Commercial

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