Australia’s population is aging rapidly, and with it comes the growing need for purpose-built aged care environments that go beyond basic accommodation. Today, aged care construction is about
aged care project management promoting dignity, and supporting independence — all while meeting strict safety, accessibility, and regulatory standards.
In cities like Newcastle, NSW, aged care providers are seeking expert aged care builders who understand not just construction, but the human element at the heart of these projects. Whether it’s a full-scale aged care construction project or a sensitive refurbishment of an existing facility, the best results come from firms that combine practical knowledge with compassion-driven design.
This article explores the key principles, trends, and best practices in aged care construction, and how leading contractors like Evercon are helping shape safe, welcoming spaces where Australia’s seniors can thrive.
Why Aged Care Construction Demands Specialised Expertise
Building for aged care isn’t the same as constructing a hospital or hotel. It requires a nuanced understanding of residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs — along with rigorous compliance with building codes and care regulations.
A specialised aged care builder must consider:
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Mobility and accessibility
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Cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia)
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Emergency preparedness
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Resident dignity and privacy
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Infection control and cleanliness
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Staff efficiency and safety
Each of these factors must be seamlessly integrated into the building’s structure, layout, materials, and services.
Core Principles of Effective Aged Care Design
To meet the diverse needs of aging populations, aged care environments must be:
1. Safe and Secure
Safety is paramount. Common design features include:
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Non-slip flooring and rounded corners
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Wide, obstacle-free hallways for walkers or wheelchairs
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Grab rails in bathrooms and corridors
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Emergency call systems in all rooms
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Controlled access to prevent wandering
These features reduce the risk of falls and ensure residents are always within reach of assistance.
2. Accessible and Inclusive
Facilities must cater to various physical and cognitive impairments. Accessibility is supported through:
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Step-free entryways and lifts
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Large doorways and turning circles for mobility aids
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Clear signage and colour contrast for visual impairments
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Sensory design considerations for dementia patients
Designing with universal access ensures no resident feels left behind.
3. Comfortable and Homelike
Aged care homes should feel like homes, not institutions. This is achieved through:
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Warm, natural finishes (e.g., timber, soft lighting)
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Personalised bedrooms with familiar furnishings
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Communal lounges and gardens for social connection
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Quiet spaces for rest and privacy
These touches contribute to mental well-being and help reduce transition anxiety.
4. Clinically Functional
While homely in design, facilities must support high-quality medical care. This includes:
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Strategically located nurse stations
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Medication and utility rooms
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Purpose-built treatment spaces
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Infection control zones and handwashing stations
Functionality should never compromise comfort — the best designs strike a perfect balance.
Trends Shaping Aged Care Construction in 2025
Australia’s aged care sector is undergoing reform and innovation, especially following the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission. Let’s explore the leading trends:
1. Dementia-Inclusive Design
More than 400,000 Australians live with dementia, and that number is growing. aged care project management As a result, aged care facilities are integrating design elements that reduce confusion and stress, such as:
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Simple, intuitive layouts with visual landmarks
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Natural light and access to outdoor areas
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Avoiding mirrored surfaces or shiny floors
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Colour-coded areas to help wayfinding
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Calm, acoustically controlled environments
These features improve quality of life and reduce agitation among dementia residents.
2. Sustainability and Green Building
Aged care facilities now aim to be as environmentally conscious as they are people-focused. Sustainable initiatives include:
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Passive solar design for natural heating and cooling
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Rainwater collection for garden irrigation
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Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
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Use of low-VOC paints and sustainable materials
Not only does this reduce operational costs, but it also improves indoor air quality and resident health.
3. Integrated Technology
From nurse call systems to entertainment hubs, aged care design is increasingly digital. Smart features now include:
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Fall detection sensors
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Automated lighting
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Electronic medication management
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Wi-Fi-enabled communal areas
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In-room smart TVs and voice assistants
When thoughtfully integrated, technology enhances safety, engagement, and independence.
4. Community-Focused Design
Modern aged care encourages connection — with family, other residents, and the wider community. Design elements supporting this trend include:
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Café spaces open to visitors
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Landscaped courtyards and BBQ areas
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Activity rooms for art, games, and fitness
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Wellness centres or visiting GP rooms
These communal spaces make residents feel part of something bigger, reducing isolation and depression.
The Role of Aged Care Refurbishment
While new builds get attention, many older facilities in Newcastle require upgrades to meet modern standards. Aged care refurbishment involves:
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Modernising outdated interiors
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Improving safety and accessibility
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Upgrading mechanical and electrical systems
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Retrofitting infection control features
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Enhancing energy efficiency
Refurbishment can be complex — especially in occupied facilities — and requires careful planning, staging, and communication. This is where experience counts.
Evercon: Newcastle’s Trusted Aged Care Builder
Based in Newcastle, NSW, Evercon is a specialist design and construct partner trusted by aged care providers across the region. From boutique residential homes to large-scale facilities, Evercon delivers projects with empathy, efficiency, and excellence.
Evercon Offers:
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End-to-end project delivery
From initial planning and design through to handover and compliance certification. -
Live environment refurbishment expertise
Minimising disruption for staff and residents during staged works. -
Regulatory compliance assurance
Aligning all work with the Aged Care Quality Standards, BCA, and disability access codes. -
Collaborative, consultative approach
Involving stakeholders — including carers, managers, and even residents — in the design process. -
Post-completion support
Including maintenance plans, defect rectification, and ongoing improvement advice.
Aged Care Construction Process: From Vision to Reality
Here’s how a typical Evercon project unfolds:
1. Consultation and Needs Assessment
Detailed workshops to understand care needs, resident demographics, staffing models, and budget goals.
2. Design and Planning
Creation of floor plans, elevations, material selections, and accessibility features.
3. Approvals and Compliance
Managing DA submissions, aged care approvals, and certifications.
4. Construction or Refurbishment
Staged delivery with clear milestones and communication checkpoints.
5. Handover and Training
Operational manuals, safety briefings, and orientation for staff and management.
Common Aged Care Construction Challenges (and How to Solve Them)
🛠️ Challenge: Working in Occupied Facilities
Solution: Evercon implements staged works, after-hours construction, and physical barriers to ensure resident safety and comfort.
🛠️ Challenge: Managing Budget Constraints
Solution: Through smart value engineering, Evercon identifies cost-saving alternatives without compromising quality.
🛠️ Challenge: Navigating Complex Regulations
Solution: Their team includes compliance specialists who ensure every design meets relevant aged care standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an aged care construction project take?
Timeframes vary by size and scope. A refurbishment may take 3–6 months, while new facilities can take 12–18 months.
Can work be done while residents are still on-site?
Yes. With appropriate planning, work can be staged to ensure resident safety and minimal disruption.
How much involvement will we have in the design?
Total involvement. Evercon works collaboratively with providers to ensure the space supports care models and community values.
Conclusion: Building with Dignity, Designing for Life
Creating a safe, welcoming, and functional aged care environment is one of the most meaningful contributions a builder can make. It’s about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about understanding people, their needs, and the lives they lead.
With a commitment to excellence, compassion, and compliance, Evercon stands out as a leading aged care construction partner in Newcastle and beyond. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing facility, their team ensures that every space is built with purpose — and every resident is treated with dignity.
Ready to Start an Aged Care Project?
📍 Serving Newcastle and regional NSW
🌐 Visit: www.evercon.com.au
📞 Contact the Evercon team to discuss your aged care construction or refurbishment needs today.
