Eldercare Goodwood has become the first aged care home in South Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating, signifying its world-leading sustainable design and construction.

A year on from opening its doors in February 2025, the Eldercare Goodwood residential aged care home has made history as the first facility of its kind in South Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating in Building Design and Construction – the highest possible rating.

Certified sustainable by design

The pinnacle of sustainable design and construction certifications in Australia, the rigorous Green Star rating is awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). To meet the requirements of the certification, buildings need to perform across a range of measures – from indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort to ventilation, water management, energy efficiency and climate resilience. These are all factors that impact a building’s operational efficiency and lifetime carbon footprint. In a nutshell, the rating certifies that the design intent on paper has been achieved in bricks and mortar.

By locals for locals

Designed by South Australian architect Brown Falconer (shortlisted in the Colour category for Aurora at IDEA 2021) and purpose-built by fellow Adelaidean firm Sarah Constructions, Eldercare Goodwood’s rating sets a new standard for aged care design – bringing the same care and attention shown to residents’ wellbeing to the roof over their heads.

As a not-for-profit aged care provider, Eldercare’s values of social, environmental and corporate responsibility are embedded in the design. Chief Executive Jane Pickering says Eldercare is honoured to be the first aged care home to reach the milestone and be recognised as a leader in the sector.

“Our innovative, sustainable design has been built around our model of care to support the health and wellbeing of a rapidly ageing population who expect to age well, remain connected to community and are environmentally aware,” Pickering says.

“Eldercare is committed to corporate and social responsibility, including reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, and this is reflected in the design and construction of our aged care home at Goodwood.”

Sustainability is in the details

Proving that the whole truly is the sum of its parts, the $40 million 100-bed facility incorporates a range of design features and technology that incrementally combine to reduce operational energy and enhance building performance.

With a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, the all-electric building has already saved 300,000 kilowatts/hour in its first year – enough to power about 68 average South Australian households. The stormwater collection and reuse system and 150,000 litres of rainwater storage have also made significant savings in the first year, reducing water consumption by 1450 kilolitres – enough to supply eight average households.

Keeping with the Goodwood character

Designed by Brown Falconer to feel luxurious yet familiar, the two-storey property is surrounded by gardens and organised as a series of 15-person communities connected by a central spine of shared living spaces. The rhythm of the building’s massing also mimics the established streetscape, adding to the domestic character of Goodwood with its detached houses and art deco architecture.

Further biophilic elements, such as timber details and abundant natural light, along with double-glazed windows, LED lights with motion sensors and natural ventilation, all support the wellbeing and comfort of those living and working at Eldercare Goodwood. No stranger to recognition, the development previously achieved Australia’s first 6 Star Design Review rating in the aged care sector upon completion. This latest accolade cements both Eldercare and the Goodwood facility as leaders in sustainable aged care.

All photography: Supplied.