View our response to COVID-19 Pride Flag

< Back to News

The Future of Aged Care Design

Architectural design has never been more important in the aged care sector, and the future has already arrived at Oryx’s homes.

The Aged Care Royal Commission has made numerous suggestions to improve the delivery of care in Australia, including recommending “small household models” be introduced to residential aged care home design.

At Oryx, two of our founders are qualified architects who understand the impact design can have on quality of life. With the assistance of award winning local architects Hassell Studio (who designed The Queenslea Claremont and The Melvista Nedlands) and SPH Architecture + Interior (responsible for the clever conversion of The Richardson West Perth), Oryx has adopted innovative design principles that successfully ‘de-institutionalise’ and invigorate the historic long-term care environment by providing specially-designed homes in which seniors can live with dignity, comfort and companionship.

Oryx adopts a “Small Household” architectural design model, complemented by a person-centric care philosophy. Our designs provide a small number of suites (typically around one dozen) centred around a shared kitchen, dining and living area, embracing the concept that the heart of every family home is its kitchen. Multiple households can be located on the same site. At Oryx, we implement this model in premium urban locations, dedicating one or two Small Households to each level of our prestigious homes.

Our homes offer some of the largest aged care suites in the country, comprising not just a bedroom with ensuite, but also a private balcony and living room, generously appointed and up to 65 square metres in size. Our Small Household design effectively eliminates long and lonely corridors that are historically found in old style nursing homes. We include layered and densely planted gardens and courtyards, with seasonal patio areas that contain a variety of flowering and sensory planting in addition to mature trees.

Ultimately, a residential aged care home can only be as comfortable as the care provided within it. At Oryx, we embrace a holistic model of care comprising “person focused” support, delivered by a consistent & empowered workforce for each Small Household that fosters the establishment of enduring relationships, trust and empathy amongst all of our residents, their families and our wonderful care team. We host Wellness Centres in all of our homes which at The Richardson includes a private heated swimming pool, promoting the activation and rehabilitation of our residents.
 
We invite you to visit one of our unique Small Households soon.


If you wish to speak to someone about your situation or that of a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us or book a tour online.