In the Pipeline: Georges Estate

Trade secrets

As the opening date for Georges Estate in Sydney nears, Rachel Story, associate with Morrison Design Partnership shares some insights into Hall & Prior’s latest addition to the Group. By Gabi Mills.

Georges Estate has been a long time coming and Morrison Design Partnership has been intimately involved with its genesis since 2006. Architect Rachel Story has carefully nursed the development from 2012 to its anticipated completion this year. “In 2013 I also took over the project management/superintendent role when the previous project manager retired, and we commenced early structural works on the site that year,” says Rachel. “Once early works were complete, we took a step back for a little while for funding to be secured, and then in 2018 we came back in architecturally to lead the team in designing and submitting to council for several more changes including the addition of the swimming pool, which I’m very proud of.”

Work continued in late 2018, and then in early 2021 Rachel and the team continued with project management of the fit-out

contract to add the finishing touches including joinery and wall finishes.

“For my part, I’ve been responsible during all these years for leading the MDP team to produce architectural documentation, co-ordinating consultants, meeting with key Hall & Prior stakeholders to improve designs and optimise functionality on a budget, and managing the construction contract to keep the project running as smoothly as possible.” There were of course challenges on the way from an ever-increasing budget to layout dilemmas. “We’ve had several design challenges on this project ranging from the structural challenges of excavating at the base of a hill on top of which is a busy train line, and dealing with unexpected issues of soft ground,” said Rachel. “We also had to rejig layouts to suit Hall & Prior’s changing needs over the years, handled slow responses from governing bodies, and continuously managed a budget that just never seemed to quite cover everything Hall & Prior had envisioned delivering (though we’re slowly getting there).” All the hard work has certainly been worth it as the build finally nears completion, and Rachel is taken especial pride in the finished product.

“Georges Estate is one of the first real physical manifestations of the level of passion for care and community that Hall & Prior embodies in its other facilities,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of working in several of the other Hall & Prior homes in NSW for renovations and services upgrades and I am always struck by how kind, upbeat, and caring the staff are and what a great atmosphere that creates, even in homes that are

WORK IN PROGRESS Inset, architect Rachel Story has worked on Georges Estate for years.

sometimes a bit older and need a bit of TLC.

“I’m so excited to see that loving mentality applied to a building which provides a higher level of natural amenity for the residents, and how that passion is going to blossom with the new wider opportunities this kind of building can provide.” There’s been a special focus on creating a home-like style of the building, which is very different to the modernist forms of most aged care developments coming onto the market, says Rachel.

“I think that style is very much representative of the homelike vision that Hall & Prior continually strive to develop and maintain.”

Morrison Design has specialised in aged care for many years now, and the team brings a lot of industry knowledge to their designs in regard to the complex and ever-changing landscape of aged care, and increasingly dementia. “Our aim is to develop buildings which respect the site and locality they’re in while taking advantage of the opportunities presented by a specific site,” says Rachel. “For Georges, that’s been taking advantage of views while minimising impact to neighbours, developing a terraced landscape design to manage a steeply sloping site for maximum access to level external areas, and introducing terraced courtyards to maximise direct daylight into as much of the building as possible), and to create flexible care-centred environments that are able to adapt to the changing requirements of a very dynamic industry.” This thoughtful approach to Georges Estate’s design begins as you come down the tree-lined driveway. Visitors are greeted by what looks like a relatively small twostorey residence with familiar domestic details and walk along the cobblestones into the main entry of the building. Once inside, you pass the richly detailed marble desk,

COMING TO FRUITION

The opening date of Georges Estate is fastapproaching, when its new residents will be welcomed.

elegant timber veneer walls, and vibrant artworks to glimpse the first main courtyard which features a central bowling green – reminiscent of the former life of the site as a bowling club. “From that courtyard, you can look in one direction through a dining area to the purple flowers of a giant neighbouring jacaranda falling on one of the many outer garden areas, and in another direction, you wander through the large central dining and lounge area, past the full service café, to our second courtyard with built-in timber benches and colourful flowers,” says Rachel.

“As you enter this second courtyard you look up to see the roof terrace above, and down to the next courtyard below with a feature fishpond, and glimpses in to the day-respite lounge, the therapy pool with its starry sparkling ceiling, and the wellness areas with their lush carpets, rich timber veneers and elegant marble details.” Throughout all levels of the building, interiors (designed by Hassell Architects) are richly detailed with warm timber panelling, soft matte black details, and lush fabrics on bedheads, wallpapers and carpets to create an overall light, fresh interior.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threw up its own special challenges too, particularly the second wave in NSW.

“It has hit us really hard, as our site is in one of the hard lockdown LGAs. Construction sites shut down completely for a few weeks, meaning the fit-out works stopped during that time,” says Rachel. For such a team effort, Rachel has nothing but praise for her colleagues involved in the project - and for Hall & Prior too.

“From MDP, Markam Ralph is responsible for making a huge building appear to be on a domestic scale, Vee Chin developed the simple and intelligent planning and assisted with services coordination and detailing back in 2012,” she says. “So many others have also been involved at various stages in various roles, so it really has been a huge team effort. We are ultimately guided by the principles and operational models of each of our clients, and working with Hall & Prior in that regard has been truly a joy.”

Pooling resources

Rachel has been especially involved with the design of Georges Estate’s stunning therapy pool, which will play an important part in the new aged care home’s daily life. She worked hard to design the pool to have various points of interest in a relatively small space, including internal landscaping, spa seating, feature tile columns, and a unique curvaceous shape to further expound on the ellipse of the starry ceiling above. “All of these elements in themselves are direct references from other similar pool installations around Sydney,” she said, “but I think all the elements have come together in a particular and stunning way to make a special space out of what used to be a simple room at the bottom corner of the building.” The pathway to the pool is something special too. As you enter from the carpark, or come down the lift from the residential levels above through the wellness centre reception area, you pass by plush chairs in the waiting area, and continue past the physio, salon and consulting offices. At the day-time respite lounge, turn left and wander into the lower courtyard for a spot in the sun, listening to the trickling water in the fishpond before heading into the pool area. As you pass through the pool area doors, you’ll see the pool ahead through the glass pool fence. You’ll hear the sound of the spa jets rumbling as you head towards the changing area, and then catch a glimpse of the pool over the high planters, full of lush greenery and dark stones to your right. Once changed, you’ll walk through the louvre doors to the pool area, and head into the water either via the stairs or the ramp, perhaps sitting in front of the spa jets for a spell, or heading down to the slightly deeper end for some aerobics. After your dip, you can cool off in the linked pool terrace area, or relax in a pool-side lounge chair to cool down.

“I can’t wait to take a dip myself” Rachel says.

Top tucker on show

Australia’s culinary best are set to headline Western Australia’s Gourmet Escape this November - and for those fortunate enough to attend this event, there’s plenty to inspire foodies.

Food, wine and good times are back on the menu at Western Australia Gourmet Escape this November (17-21) when Australia’s best culinary talent take part in events in WA’s most celebrated culinary locations - Margaret River, Perth, Swan Valley and for the first time, Rottnest Island. There are 30 amazing events featuring a roll call of more than 30 of Australia’s most loved and respected culinary stars. Returning favourites heading West to collaborate with leading local WA talent include Curtis Stone, Rick Stein, Shannon Martinez, Colin Fassnidge, Matt Stone, Guillaume Brahimi and Guy Grossi.

Icons of the industry Stephanie Alexander and Maggie Beer will be featured, alongside a new wave of wine talent - Curly Haslam-Coates, Erin Larkin and Samantha Payne and artist dameeeela. The ninth instalment has something for everyone; stunning beach backdrops with delicious food and wine curated by Australia’s best chefs alongside a series of events that honour the history and heart of the festival in Margaret River.

New events include: • Rottnest Sunset presented by Leeuwin Coast alfresco feast with Rick Stein and Colin Fassnidge at Pinky’s Beach Club; • AGWA Rooftop Wine, Dine & Disco party at the new rooftop space at the Art Gallery of Western Australia; • Grazie Mille presented by Essteele (a thousand thanks) dinner celebrating the Swan Valley’s Italian heritage at Sandalford Estate with icons Stephanie Alexander, Maggie Beer and Guy Grossi; and • The Vineyard Party held on the stunning grounds of Leeuwin

Estate, with a uniquely vintage vibe. A celebrity Chef led menu showcasing the best of WA with a nod to culinary trends of times gone by.

Much-loved iconic events like the Gourmet Beach BBQ and Ultimate Dining Series are back, alongside classics with a twist such as The Village and Swings, Beats & Bites. Culinary superstars return to WA year after year for this worldclass event and with the addition of Rottnest Island to the list of locations hosting unique food and wine experiences, it’s the perfect opportunity for hospitality stars to showcase WA to local gourmet travellers. Visit gourmetescape.com.au (November 17 to 21) at various locations in Margaret River, Swan Valley and Rottnest Island.

Perth pleasure gardens

Wanneroo Botanic Gardens are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2021 with ambitious plans to expand attractions for future generations.

set for revamp

Back in August 1981, Theo and Hanneke Puik bought a five-acre property on the shores of Lake Joondalup with a vision to transform the dusty scrubland into a garden sanctuary with waterways, rockeries, and an abundance of flowers and tress. They also came up with the idea of adding a mini golf course - their ace in the hole.

Theo, a landscape architect by trade, commenced work on the garden in 1974. With incredible vision and an unwavering passion, he embarked on the sevenyear project, hand-shovelling 700 tonnes of limestone and planting thousands of plants, more than 500 species in total. The Puiks operated the garden until 1994 when the family business was sold to their daughter Nicole and her husband Paul Woodcock. Many thousands of Perth families will have memories of visiting the gardens, and some of the photographs from the archives reflect the changes over time at the northern suburb’s destination.

Paul, like Theo, has continued to pursue the ongoing success of the garden, its varied and unique plant life. The Woodcocks expanded the gardens’ offering in 1998 by opening Leapfrogs, an on-site restaurant, and now managed Australia’s largest outdoor mini golf course.

FAMILY FAVOURITE

Wanneroo Botanic Gardens has welcomed families in Perth since 1981 (above) - but is now set for new attractions. Paul said the 40th anniversary is a chance to commemorate the venue’s new era of transformation.

“We will be renovating Leapfrogs, adding a multipurpose function centre, and redefining the indoor/outdoor space so that guests are immersed even more into the lush gardens,” he said. “We will be continuing to refresh the 18-hole ‘garden’ mini golf course and are very excited to be adding a fun children’s play area in the coming years as a part of those works. “Our passion is encouraging family fun, we’re very committed to it and enjoy every minute of it,” said Paul. Then, as now, it’s the perfect spot to head to for a picnic, a game of mini golf or the chance to enjoy the great outdoors - all just 20 minutes north of Perth.

Wanneroo Botanic Gardens, 25 Drovers Place, Wanneroo. Visit wanneroobotanicgardens.com.au

Let there be

As you get older, you need more light to be able to see. It’s a normal part of the aging process. Age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa will further increase the need for extra light around your home. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to make simple changes to enhance your lighting. The advice is that ‘brighter is better.’ Anne from Perth is in the process of doing just that. The 58-year-old has low vision. A former long-distance athlete, Anne was selected to train for the Australian team in

lightIntroducing some extra

brightness to the home can the Commonwealth Games. She’s looking make all the difference for the at making lighting modifications around vision-impaired, says VisAbility. her home and Anne received a visit from a VisAbility occupational therapist to discover what areas need improving. “I have had trips and falls, especially with steps. My current overhead lighting provides shadows, so I want to brighten up my lighting around the staircase, foyer, and landing area, as well as the lounge and the kitchen.” Lumens and lux are the two metrics that measure light. Lux indicates the power of light. The more lux, the greater the amount of light that falls on a surface or given area. Lumens are the level of luminous flow, the amount of light emitted in all directions. It doesn’t offer us the overall picture of how much light is shining in an area.

For low vision, we use lux as a measurement. The guidance is: • Kitchen: Recommended lux levels for people with a vision impairment in the kitchen are 600. The standard is around 240. • Bedroom: Lux levels are at 300 for a person with low vision, and the standard level being 150 for someone with regular sight. • Living area/lounge: Lux levels should be around 350 for someone who is vision impaired. Standard lux levels are 160. • Staircase: Lux levels should measure 300 for someone with vision impairment. Normal levels should be 140.

Anne’s staircase is between 46 and 47 depending on the time of day, so well short of recommended guidelines. If your eyesight is worsening and you have limited vision, there are three different types of lighting to consider in your home:

• General lighting • Natural lighting • Task lighting General lighting should provide enough light for you to see and move around comfortably and safely. General lighting may include overhead fixtures, such as downlights, and should brighten the room as much as possible. Natural light will allow you to maximise the flow of outside light into your home. Coverings and blinds can hamper this flow of natural light into your home. Draw back curtains during the day, keep windows and netting clean, and use white or light frames. Task lighting is so-called because it does just what it suggests. Task lighting is directed onto a particular spot to make it easier to complete everyday jobs. Good quality task lighting becomes more important as your eyesight deteriorates. Position the lamp on the side of your strong eye, and make sure it is angled away from you. Consider a low pendant light over any table where you are working. Install lights underneath kitchen cupboards so that light shines directly onto work surfaces. However, make sure you have a matt surface to avoid glare - a simple matt coloured cutting board will suffice.

Anne has a rechargeable folding desk lamp, a task light that she takes with her everywhere. The Triumph Rechargeable Folding Desk lamp has bright LED lights, has USB charging, and weighs less than 30 grams. “This goes in my handbag. It’s perfect for restaurants when I am dining out or if I need extra light at my kitchen table.” Most people with deteriorating vision and vision loss can benefit from enhanced lighting. Improving the lighting in your home will make a dramatic difference.

VisAbility works with White Oak and has a range of qualified occupational therapists who can undertake lighting assessments and recommend lighting solutions. Visit the Resource Centre at VisAbility in Victoria Park to investigate lights or go to the VisAbility Online Living Aids Shop to have products delivered to your door. For more information go to visability.com.au/oak

Next gen

step up

Occupational therapy students are given the opportunity to test their skills in real world situations during their studies and Hall & Prior is happy to help their career journey develop. By Gabi Mills.

Madelyne Glover, Manager of Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy in Hall & Prior’s WA operations finds herself frequently working with the next generation of occupational therapists. At any one time, there will no doubt be a motley crew of students, finding their feet and working their socks off alongside Hall & Prior’s OT staff, learning valuable real life skills as they go. Currently there are a couple of fourth year OT students from Curtin University at Hamersley Aged Care Home in Subiaco, fulfilling an eight-week placement until mid-September. “Occupational therapy students who undertake their placement with at Hall & Prior will be part of a supportive interdisciplinary team, and will learn the diverse role of an occupational therapist in aged care,” says Madelyne. Alyssa Johannes and Viveka Lakhiani can vouch for that, working alongside occupational therapist Georgia Strimaitis. “I’m really enjoying my placement so far,” says Alyssa. “I’ve enjoyed learning about different aspects of working in aged care and how the role of an occupational therapist helps the residents maintain function through engaging in meaningful occupations.” Alyssa has been building rapport with residents Judy and Jack, and finding out about their life stories, while Viveka and Georgia have adjusted the leg rest of Don’s tilting chair to improve his comfort and positioning. Having experienced therapists sharing their knowledge with students offers benefits for both parties.

“We love having OT students working alongside us as they really become part of the team,” says Madelyne. “We always strive to continually improve through evidence-based practice and by hosting students, and this provides the opportunity for shared learning between staff, students and residents.”

Skills that can be honed during placements include developing interviewing techniques, undertaking strengths-based assessments, seating and equipment prescriptions as well as promoting community access and engagement. “For anybody considering a career in OT, I would say that aged care is a dynamic and fast-paced environment, providing opportunities for new graduates to learn a wide range of skills while being part of an interdisciplinary team,” says Madelyne.

HELPING HANDS Inset, Madelyne Glover, OT Manager, works with OT students on placement.

All smiles

despite lockdown

It’s a challenge to keep spirits up during prolonged lockdown, but Hall & Prior’s lifestyle officers in NSW are pulling out all the stops to spread a little happiness.

Benjamin Chard, lifestyle co-ordinator in the Hall & Prior NSW State Office has had to get creative during the most recent period of extended lockdown.

“We have been focusing on supporting our residents and their families through this challenging time,” says Ben. “Some of the challenges during this period have been the limited opportunities for physical visits from families and volunteer groups, and we also haven’t been able to go on our usual bus trips and other excursions.” emotional support and also keep them connected with external social networks and communities.

“We hold regular supported video calling sessions with the home’s iPad for residents to keep connected with family and friends,” says Ben, “as well as pet therapy sessions via video call link too.”

Local primary schools and volunteer groups have also checked in via video link and special calendar events like the summer Olympics, Bastille Day, Funny Hat Day and Chocolate Day have given residents something to look forward to and enjoy. “Our armchair travel days with specific cultural themed food, dress and decoration - complete with airport tours and plane travel sound effects, have been a big hit.” All of the above have been carried out with the highest levels of safety employed with mask-wearing, regular cleaning of activity areas and hygiene practices. “We all share ideas throughout our NSW homes too,” says Ben. “Our NSW lifestyle officers have shown great passion and dedication in providing residents with quality programs and the smiles on their faces shows that all their efforts have been successful.”

As such lifestyle officers have come up with some ways to keep giving residents

To find out more about OT and Lifestyle Officer opportunities at Hall & Prior, visit hallprior.com.au

An extra special bond

Grandparents and grandchildren share a special relationship in many cases, and if you’re new to the role, there’s a book which helps you navigate this rewarding stage of your life.

Aunique guide to building a loving, supportive relationship with your grandchildren while assisting with their development has just been published - the ideal gift for new grandparents or parents with a grandchild. With people staying healthier for longer, grandparents are increasingly involved in raising their grandchidren. In many cases, the bond between a grandparent and their grandchild can be extremely rewarding, creating life-long memories in the process. Grandparenting Grandchildren is the first guide of its kind written specifically for grandparents, and aims to help you raise well-rounded, ready-to-learn, happy grandchildren, even if you only look after them for a few hours a week. By explaining the latest research in accessible, applicable ways, the book reaffirms what you instinctively know, while providing new tools to build your grandchild’s imagination, creativity and curiosity. Combining the authors’ practical experience as childhood development professionals with international research, this book helps grandparents understand the key influences on healthy development in the first five years: movement, music, sleep and food. It gives practical advice on how to integrate these ‘super brain foods’ best in your grandchild’s life. This has been proven to have many positive benefits, including improving the ability to think creatively, building speech and language skills, promoting social skills and driving curiosity.

Five ways to be the

best grandparent EVER

Grandparenting? Lucky you! Being a grandparent is a special gift indeed, and while there are many advantages of enjoying a fun, loving relationship, here are a few top tips to make sure the time you spend with your grandchildren is valuable for you all. By Dr Jane Williams.

1. Parents know best:

If you are taking on the responsibility of caring for your grandchildren, make sure you understand how your children would like key aspects of your grandchild’s life managed. This may include dietary requirements, sleep habits, behaviour management strategies and limits on screen time. When everyone is ‘singing from the same song sheet’ not only are family relationships maintained, grandchildren benefit from the consistency of care.

2. Go with the flow: Be prepared to get little done while your grandchildren under five are with you. Forget the housework or the bills unless of course you are prepared for your grandchildren to help, and this age group loves to help! They love washing anything with sudsy water, or to help with cooking, gardening or ‘working’ in the workshop. So, if you are relaxed and happy and prepared for the mess to follow, then be ready to share your simple ‘jobs’ with them – they will love that … and make sure they get involved in the clean up as well… that’s a great habit to install.

3. Build in quiet time:

Balance activity time with a quieter time. Children of this age need lots of active play, but they also need time to recharge those ‘energiser bunny’ engines. If you don’t have an outdoor area, set up an obstacle course with everyday furniture, or head to a local park where the climbing equipment is ready-made. Once you have worn them out (this takes many hours), quiet time is perfect for reading to your grandchildren. They learn so much from being read to, and it’s a marvellous time for snuggles and hugs too.

4. Look after yourself:

Know your limits. Caring for grandchildren for short period of time has been shown to be beneficial to brain health as well as physical and emotional health - in fact it keeps grandparents younger. But there is a tipping point and for those caring for grandchildren for long hours, these benefits are lost. Make sure you talk to your children about your limitations.

5. Put fun first: How lucky you are to have the opportunity to build a strong and enduring relationship with your grandchildren. Hopefully, they will continue to value it later in their adult years. Grandparenting Grandchildren: New Knowledge and KnowHow for Grandparenting the Under 5s. By Dr Jane Williams, PHD and Dr Tessa Grigg, PHD, $32.99 - visit exislepublishing.com

READER GIVEAWAY WIN!

We have THREE copies of Grandparenting Grandchildren to giveaway to our readers - if you would like to go into the draw, send an email to

marketing@hallprior.com.au

and tell us what you love the most about being a grandparent. We’ll pick the best three answers and send a copy of the book to each winner. Good luck! Closing date is November 1, 2021.