(Place Holder)

Project: Green Valley Dementia Care

Project Type: Innovative Care Facility

Year of Completion: 2023

Software Used: SketchUp, Enscape & Powerpoint

Client Requirements:

• A small-scale, intimate setting to provide personalised care and attention

• A clean, minimalist design to reduce confusion and create a calming environment for residents, caregivers and visitors

• Ample natural light and generous outdoor spaces to encourage wellness, connection with nature, and overall mental and physical health.

• A residential feel that emphasises comfort and familiarity, moving away from clinical aesthetics to foster a true sense of home - with the added benefit of professional support.

The Green Valley Dementia Care project focuses on designing a forward-thinking, supportive living environment tailored to individuals requiring specialized care. The goal was to create a facility that stands apart from traditional care homes—offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that prioritizes both functionality and emotional well-being.

Location

Nestled in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, just outside the town of Bowral, Green Valley Dementia Care is ideally situated. Surrounded by fresh, clean air and gentle natural light, the location offers a serene and peaceful environment - perfect for a facility dedicated to supporting individuals with dementia. Removed from busy roads and free of noise pollution, it provides a safe, calming space for residents to thrive.

Courtyard

Green Valley Dementia Care welcomes clients and visitors through a bright, open reception area located at the front of the building. This space serves as the check-in point for new residents and offers a comfortable area for patients to ask questions, express concerns, or simply relax. Staffed 24/7, the reception also includes a coffee and tea station, thoughtfully designed to ensure accessibility and safety for all residents.

Fresh air and sunlight are essential for overall well-being. Located at the heart of Green Valley Dementia Care, the central courtyard offers a safe, supervised outdoor space where residents can enjoy the sun in comfort. This courtyard connects various areas of the facility and also serves as a versatile space for communal activities and social interaction.

Kitchenette / Dining

Green Valley includes a small, communal kitchen and dining area, thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of a limited number of residents and guests. While meals are prepared off-site, the space allows for light food preparation and snacks between meals. Encouraging social interaction in this area is key to supporting cognitive and emotional well-being in dementia patients.

The dining space is intentionally minimal to reduce confusion and prevent sensory overload. A standout feature is the use of orange chairs, chosen for their ability to stimulate brain activity in individuals with dementia. With non-fixed furniture, the room can easily be adapted for various activities, including gentle indoor exercise, board games, or technology use such as iPad sessions.

Room One & Ensuite

The bedrooms at Green Valley Dementia Care are thoughtfully designed to feel warm and homelike, rather than clinical, while maintaining safety and accessibility for high-quality care. Each room includes a private ensuite and offers a comforting, personal space for residents.

The rendered image illustrates the foundational layout of each bedroom, which is then customized to reflect the individual preferences of each resident—helping them feel at ease in their new environment. The FF&E and materials board for Bedroom One highlights the selected finishes and furnishings used to create a calming and familiar atmosphere.