Situated in a prime Brisbane location, Rendu Towers is well connected to its city and local context.
Rethinking vertical living for older adults
In recent years, vertical housing solutions for older adults have emerged as a response to the growing ageing population. These innovative developments not only make efficient use of land but also enable seniors to remain connected to their established communities.
An example of this model is our Rendu Towers project in Brisbane. Strategically situated in Newstead, just three kilometres from the city centre, the development offers excellent access to reliable public transport, including the Brisbane City Ferry and bus network.
This prime location facilitates mobility for older adults, enhancing their ability to connect with services and engage in community activities.
Rendu Towers is designed to create a sense of home and belonging.
Unlike traditional retirement communities, Rendu Towers features a unique integrated care system that combines retirement living, aged care, and dementia care. This model supports the notion of ageing in place within a community.
With a diverse range of unit types equipped with universal design elements, safety modifications, and communal spaces, Rendu Towers fosters a supportive environment that promotes a sense of home and belonging.
The design also emphasises well-planned connections to local amenities, including parks, dog parks, cafés and retail outlets. These pedestrian-friendly pathways encourage socialisation and active participation in community life, establishing hubs for interaction and support among residents.
Rendu Towers offers recreation such as swimming pools, gardens, pavilions, libraries, fitness centres and dining options. These promote social connections and active lifestyles, enhancing mental wellbeing and engagement.
Health and recreation options including a pool encourage healthy, active living at Rendu Towers.
Evidence-based design has shown that home environments promoting autonomy and offering diverse daily choices help seniors to live more comfortably and safely. Extending these principles to vertical housing for the elderly can further enhance their quality of life by providing social and community connections.
Key elements underpinning the success of the vertical retirement living typology for the elderly include:
-Public transport – proximity to transport and other infrastructure keeps seniors active and connected to their community.
-Sense of community – familiar surroundings and ongoing connections with friends and family offer reassurance and comfort.
-Retail and leisure – access to retail, supermarkets, medical care, entertainment, and civic amenities reduces the need for car travel and supports social connectivity and new ways to engage.
-Parks and pedestrian networks – walkable access to parks and pedestrian-friendly streets promotes mental wellbeing, outdoor activities and community connections.
-Health and recreation facilities – on-site recreational options encourage active, healthy lifestyles.
-Integrated care – the ability to transition between different levels of care without needing to relocate ensures continuity and stability.
This holistic approach improves both physical health and overall wellbeing for the elderly in vertical retirement living developments.
These six critical elements help us design better vertical living developments for seniors.
Intuitive wayfinding is an innovative approach that enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of traditional retirement communities.
Many older adults find conventional layouts confusing, and this leads to feelings of disorientation. By incorporating intuitive wayfinding strategies — such as clear signage, landmarks, and thoughtfully designed interiors — these communities can create user-friendly environments that foster independence and confidence among residents. This transformation not only simplifies navigation but also cultivates a sense of belonging and familiarity.
In a recent post-occupancy evaluation for Bolton Clarke, visual cues like large print signs and recognisable symbols, along with visual connections to key outdoor elements, were found to significantly help residents of varying cognitive abilities.
Natural features such as seasonal gardens also act as orientation points, helping residents navigate their surroundings with greater ease.
These enhancements encourage social interaction, as residents are more inclined to explore their environment and engage with peers when navigation is straightforward.
This revitalisation creates a vibrant community atmosphere, fostering deeper connections among residents.
The benefits of intuitive wayfinding extend beyond individual residents, positively impacting the entire community. Families and visitors appreciate well-designed, navigable spaces, which leads to increased engagement in community activities.
As these environments become more welcoming and accessible, they can attract a broader range of residents, including those who may have previously hesitated to join traditional retirement communities due to accessibility concerns.
Ultimately, thoughtful wayfinding fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment, elevating the overall quality of life for all residents.
Natural features can serve as orientation points that help residents navigate their surroundings more easily.
The holistic approach: Community care for seniors
A significant gap in Australia’s healthcare landscape is community-based care models for older adults.
Day centres play a crucial role in promoting preventive care and healthy living for seniors. These facilities provide supportive environments where they can engage in different activities, access necessary health services, and socialise with peers.
A notable example is the Montefiore Burger Centre in Sydney, a structured environment where seniors can participate in activities tailored to their interests and abilities. From arts and crafts to exercise classes, educational workshops, and even social outings, the program is aimed at stimulating mental and physical health.
Some of the day centres run by the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health provide access to healthcare professionals who monitor participants’ health status, administer medications and offer essential wellness services. This approach addresses immediate health concerns while empowering seniors to take an active role in managing their health.
We’re making progress in this sphere, but the central challenge remains one of governance: how to provide adequate day centre services that meet the growing demand for age-appropriate care and social support.
How do we design holistic solutions that foster community engagement, encourage mobility and integrate services like healthcare and recreation into the fabric of everyday life for seniors?
We must push for policy frameworks that incentivise the development of these spaces and a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach that prioritises collaboration between policymakers, urban planners, architects and community members.
Together, we must reimagine and create more age-friendly environments that promote social inclusion, enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation among older adults, creating a future where our elderly are not marginalised but empowered to live with dignity, independence and connection to their communities.
