Carmelite Case Study
Contemporary Retirement Living
Leading the way in Retirement Living, “Carmelite” has brought to life Southern Cross Care’s vision. CEO of Southern Cross Care, Mr David Moran, describes the development as a combination of “magnificent apartments and facilities. Future residents will enjoy a wonderful lifestyle and remain connected to their community.” With this in mind, Walter Brooke Architects envisioned contemporary retirement apartments in a range of floor plans, a health and wellness centre, functional communal areas for residents and more. The materials used to achieve the contemporary design and maintain functionality were carefully selected to align with the brief. The vision was brought to life by Sarah Constructions working with the support of Premier Linings.
Products supplied for this project:
- Knauf Stratopanel
- Knauf AMF Heradesign Panels
- James Hardie ExoTec Panels
- Steel Stud & Track
What makes modern design so successful is its simplicity in details to create beautiful aesthetics. This is what has been achieved with the use of Knauf Stratopanel, acoustic perforated plasterboard. Visually the space is open, light and airy, however, this extra visual appeal has been strategically added to the ceiling. Being used within a large communal area, the Stratopanel brings additional benefits to the space. The perforations within the board act to absorb sound and balance acoustic levels. The Bowler Family Café has been created for families to meet and spend quality time together. When numbers of people increase within the space, the acoustic board absorbs the extra noise. This ensures that the open plan design is not interrupted by echoes and low sound frequencies that are amplified by hard materials like large glass facades. It also makes use of the CLEANEO air technology which absorbs air pollutants and odours keeping the air within the space fresh. Residents and visitors will be able to sit back and relax, while enjoying each other’s company amongst the surrounding views in this carefully designed space.
Knauf Stratopanel
Using the right materials throughout the build was key, especially for the hydro-therapy pool area. Due to being heated, the pool creates constant moisture in the air. Most materials will corrode over time after continuous exposure to these conditions. ADX Depot worked closely with Sarah Constructions and Premier Linings to identify a solution to ensure that the steel framing inside the ceiling is protected against rust.
Dave Hudson of Premier Linings explains, “to support us and Sarah Constructions, ADX Depot organised engineering for the protection of the steel within the plenum, above the acoustic ceiling, to prevent it from rusting. When there is already so much to do on site, it’s great knowing that we can rely on ADX Depot to help us get the job done.”
Once the framework engineering was approved and installed, the ceiling was finished with Knauf AMF Heradesign Panels. “Considering how important it was to ensure that the heated air and condensation was ventilated properly to meet engineering specifications, the Heradesign panels were the perfect material for this space,” explains ADX Depot team member, Darren Stone. Site Supervisor from Sarah Constructions, Nathan Harper, added, “I’m really pleased with how everyone worked together to ensure the build, particularly in this area, was completed successfully while meeting all regulations.” Traditionally, Heradesign panels are known for their acoustic properties. However, being made from wood wool, the natural fibres absorb and filter through the moisture in the air. This is particularly useful in maintaining the room temperature and protecting the other materials used within the build of the space.
To ensure longevity of a build of this scale, it is critical that the materials used all work together to achieve a purpose, adding long-term value to the building. Having a low-maintenance and hard-wearing exterior façade that also accentuates the modern design was key to achieving the design brief. With its ability to be painted in any colour, James Hardie ExoTec Panels provided the perfect solution to all the criteria and is available for supply by ADX Depot. Not only is the system easy to install, but the panels were installed in a block pattern running up the wall and across the soffit to frame the generous balcony areas for the upper-level apartments. Being a compressed fibre cement sheet (CFC), ExoTec is known for its durability when used in high impact areas. When used with HardieSmart wall systems, its fire rating extends to up to 60 minutes, making it a smart product choice for high-rise commercial building facades like Carmelite. Again, the space becomes aesthetically pleasing while being functional, particularly for those who are choosing to retire in one of these luxury apartments.
Adding to the wide range of products which were utilized throughout the design and build were cavity slider door systems and plywood noggings. Cavity sliders are also a product that ADX Depot can supply for any application. Carmelite presents a great example of how cavity sliders can be used creating a perfect solution throughout the resident’s rooms because of their ability to be hidden out of the way for easy access between rooms. Over 6000 plywood noggings were supplied by ADX Depot and used throughout this build to reinforce and add strength to wall mounted handrails, televisions, shower heads and more. Due to so many plywood noggings being required for this and many other builds, ADX Depot supplies pre-cut noggings and brackets to suit 600mm centre studs. This has proven to be a huge time-saver to on-site labour, cutting back the time wasted measuring and cutting noggings out of larger board sizes to make them fit.
“It was extremely satisfying seeing the quality work of Sarah Constructions and Premier Linings come to life,” Darren Stone from ADX Depot says. “Being able to help them save labour time on site and seeing how the variety of products supplied came together is really pleasing. We’re excited for the residents who will be living here and enjoying the excellent facilities, with stunning aesthetics and making themselves right at home.”
Southern Cross Care – Carmelite, has set a high standard for Aged Care Facilities and retirement living within Adelaide, South Australia. With considerate design and excellent workmanship, the modern, contemporary brief has been exceeded. Everyone involved is pleased to see the project now complete and now available for residents to enjoy. Materials have been supplied by ADX Depot and used to execute the modern, contemporary brief ensuring those residing at Carmelite retire in luxury.
For enquires on products or services, or for more information on this project, call our team on (08) 8292 5000.
