The winners of the 2024 National Retirement Living Awards were announced to more than 600 industry professionals at a gala dinner on the Gold Coast last night (Thursday 27th of June 2024).
ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello said, “it is an absolute honour to be awarded nationally and we congratulate all other finalist in our category”.
The ECH Encore Apartments in Modbury, South Australia, is approximately 15km northeast of Adelaide’s CBD and amalgamates modern living with a strong sense of community, addressing a vital aspect of ageing gracefully at any stage.
ECH Head of Retirement and Property Living, Alan Johncock said, “it is through such innovations, competitive efforts, and forums that we consistently advance the industry, to deliver cost-effective housing options and supportive communities for all Australians.
“At the ECH Encore Apartments the conscious design and development for the integration of an SA Montessori – Early Learning Centre on site, has created a wonderful community of ‘Grandfriends’ and we believe this sets us apart from most other offerings.
“We firmly believe that society has realised the importance and value of intergenerational connections and highlighted the need to incorporate retirement living within the community at large.
“While this was ECH’s first purpose build design, in fact we understand the first for South Australia and even Australia, our population is not getting any younger, so we must continue challenge existing norms and open the door to novel approaches in our design.”
Investment of $42.5m reflected in the use of high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. The seamless fusion of open-plan living spaces with private balconies, all with an outlook to take in a view of the hills, highlights an attention to detail which is testament to the overall ethos for this development.
“We say ‘it takes a village’, and in this instance, we would like to thank our design and construction village, which includes the expertise of Walter Brooke Architects, Aplin Cook Gardner Architects, Sarah Construction, URPS, DSquared Sustainability and Elevation.”
Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon emphasised the importance of celebrating the people and projects that improve the lives of older Australians.
“This industry is turbo-charged with talent, including dedicated village managers, purposeful customer-focused operators, and innovative service providers,” Mr Gannon said.
