Green Hills, Maitland

The redevelopment of Fresh Hope Care’s East Maitland facility transformed the site into a unified precinct designed to better serve future residents, ultimately earning the 2024 UDIA NSW Award for Design Excellence in Residential Aged Care. Hoyne’s focus groups with residents and staff informed the blueprint and place recommendations, resulting in a space that fosters a strong sense of belonging and community.

Building on the architectural plans previously submitted for the Development Application, Hoyne was able to provide Fresh Hope with valuable insights regarding future site uses and zoning. Both short-term and long-term strategies were proposed, with immediate actions focused on activating underutilised spaces between existing buildings.

Key recommendations for the long-term included relocating the community hall to the centre of the site and extending pedestrian access to improve community engagement and site permeability. Hoyne’s blueprint emphasised the importance of maintaining strong connections with the local community and the landscape, preserving mature trees, and blending seamlessly with the adjacent bushland.

Now completed, this 158-bed facility features an innovative pinwheel layout with four wings, each accommodating small ‘care households’ of 15-16 rooms. This model, complemented by wellness facilities, a café, community spaces, respite care, and various outdoor activities, aligns with Hoyne’s blueprint for quality living: personalised spaces for residents to enjoy on their own and with family and friends. We are proud to see numerous other elements we recommended – from a sensory garden to pet therapy – incorporated.

This re-thinking of the Green Hills precinct has created an active, welcoming environment where residents feel at home, families are encouraged to visit, and the stigma of ‘aged care’ is replaced with a focus on community and wellbeing. The outcome is a vibrant, community-integrated setting that prioritises the health and happiness of its residents.