Metlifecare Gulf Rise

Breaking down barriers

Metlifecare Gulf Rise breaks down the retirement living stereotype of large overwhelming blocks and provides diversity in residential offerings and community engagement. The design process provoked interesting challenges; how can retirement living be connected to the community, and why does a sense of disconnection or lack of belonging occur when people retire? Through interrogation, a simple design mantra emerged – no fences, no gates.
 

Social engagement

Interaction with family and friends is a need for all people – it is what makes us human. The village looks to foster strong social engagement with village amenities, but also sees potential to embrace the local community. A social pavilion built around a bird, butterfly and bee sanctuary are shared by all and fosters intergenerational engagement.

A living landscape

A 'garden party' of streets, pathways and open spaces combines a sense of tranquillity in nature mixed with a bit of fun, exploration and discovery. Biophilic design also informed the response with a community greenhouse forming a centre piece of the community with a social pavilion, aiming to foster intergenerational engagement.