Architectus Conrad Gargett has redefined senior living in Brisbane’s inner city with a dual-tower Newstead edifice. The groundbreaking vertical project elevates retirement and aged care living with a strong emphasis on community engagement.

The ‘island’ site, which benefits from four street frontages, allows for sweeping views of the river and city from both Rendu Towers and Villa Rosalie – 16 and 21 storeys respectively – and provides distinct entrances for retirement and aged care living.

Designed for Ozcare to offer a seamless range of care options, the 6180 square metre development houses all the amenities that foster community interaction such as retail tenancies, a café and commercial office space. But the beating heart of the project is the large integrated public park, a key design feature that connects the towers to the adjacent Waterfront Park.

“It’s quite an interesting demographic in the park,” Architectus Conrad Gargett principal John Flynn says. “You’ve got people from the residential aged care facility and the  dementia unit, and once the office space is occupied by 300 more people, it’s going to be quite a little park promoting social interaction.”

The design facilitates both active and passive engagement for residents of all physical capabilities, which research shows is essential for wellbeing at any age. Architectus Conrad Gargett associate principal Dr Ye Ng says the development arrives at a crucial time, with the Australian Government’s 2023 Intergenerational Report projecting a dramatic threefold increase in the 85+ years population of age in the next 40 years.

Flynn says urban dwellers often wish to remain in the city as they age. This development meets the needs of seniors who want to stay connected to their communities and families while enjoying an urban lifestyle and having access to top-notch care and support.

“Our vision for a vertical village in the heart of Brisbane has been about the creation of something very unique, that encourages the warmth of community connection,” Ozcare’s head of retirement living Anna Gorgijeski adds.

A view to community

Designed to embrace Brisbane’s subtropical climate and lifestyle, Rendu Towers’ south tower features expansive liveable balconies and extensive landscaped terraces, providing residents with year-round access to the outdoors. 

Comprising 135 residences, including 11 Sky Homes and three Sky pavilions, the project offers a diversity of choices for residents to adjust the level of care and support they need to optimise their later years as their health condition fluctuates. The tower concept makes it less daunting for a lot of the residents, with full transitional care from their landed property into an apartment and then into the aged care facility while maintaining a sense of community inclusion. 

“The residential aged care and dementia outdoor recreation spaces all have views to the river as well as views to each other,” Flynn says. “So you get this vertical village. It’s interesting to watch people on various levels interact with each other. 

“With those amazing views, residents are so happy to bring people into the facility because they’re all so excited to be there themselves. That’s the beauty of the design.”

South Tower residents, Neale and Barbara Tucker, describe their move to Rendu Towers as one of the best decisions they have made. “I can remember waking up on the first morning and the sun was streaming into our bedroom window as we looked out to the river and city views. I said to Barbara, ‘How good is this!’,” Neale says. “It was a complete lifestyle change for us both. It’s a great location and everything we need is within walking distance.”

Familiar space

The 120-bed residential aged care facility Villa Rosalie spans three floors, with one entire level specifically dedicated to residents with dementia. Designed to provide a cosy and familiar atmosphere, the facility cleverly conceals its clinical support areas 

On Level 4, residents can enjoy two expansive landscaped terraces, creating a crucial link to the outdoors. Many of the aged care rooms feature private balconies with picturesque river views, offering residents restoration from stress and a greater sense of wellbeing. Each room is thoughtfully designed with a natural material palette, including home-like features that enhance residents’ independence and personalisation to make them feel truly at home.

Dr Ng says it’s important to create a home-like environment even if you have a memory impairment. She says the balconies provide residents with access to the outdoors to enjoy the garden and give them the freedom to continue their daily lifestyle just like at home. Amenities like a hair salon, a day spa, large function and activity rooms, a chapel, cinema and various lounge spaces for both residents and visiting family members also add to a home-like experience.

The Rendu Towers and Villa Rosalie project confirms Ozcare’s commitment to supporting Brisbane’s ageing population while helping them remain in their communities of choice as they progress through life. 

“It has been lovely to see everyone enjoying their new private rooms with elevated views of the park, river and surroundings,” Dr Ng says. “Seeing the two big groups coming together to break down barriers and connect with meaningful  friendships is very satisfying.”

See how Rendu towers is leading the charge in retirement living.

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Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones