$43 million eco-friendly Rockpool residential aged care home joining north Brisbane’s Carseldine Village

Australia’s first five-star green-star rated aged care home is set to open in north Brisbane in July, with construction on the $43 million development already underway.

Australia’s first five-star green-star rated aged care home is set to open in north Brisbane in July this year, with construction on the $43 million development already underway.

The zero energy emission Rockpool residential aged care community is at 56 Plaza Parade and is a part of the master plan Carseldine Village development.

Rockpool residential aged care’s new Carseldine development boasts 150 beds.

Carseldine Village, a new residential community on Brisbane’s northside, is being developed by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), a government agency that combines property development with specialist planning functions, on the site of the former QUT campus at Carseldine.

Australia’s first 5-star green star rated aged care home is set to open in north Brisbane in July this year, with construction on the $43 million development already underway. Photo – contributed.

It will be the first residential development in Queensland to commit to delivering 100 per cent net-zero energy emission homes with energy-saving features.

At Carseldine Village, 75 per cent of the bushland is being retained and there are more than 18 hectares of green and open space. The Cabbage Tree Creek bushland, called The Sanctuary, is going through rehabilitation works with the planting of 20,000 new plants, trees and shrubs, and the installation of over 200 nesting boxes.

The masterplan for Carseldine Village is proposed to be developed in five stages over the next 3-5 years, subject to market demand. The current approved masterplan provides for a maximum of 606 dwellings.

In one of the future stages, a village retail heart will potentially comprise a convenience supermarket, speciality retail and dining.

Australia’s first 5-star green star rated aged care home is set to open in north Brisbane in July this year, with construction on the $43 million development already underway. Photo – contributed.

Construction update

Stage 1 construction includes:

Stage 1 terrace homes – under construction.

Stage 1 civil and electrical works – complete.

A new entry road into Carseldine Village, called Plaza Place, – complete

The three intersection upgrades to Beams and Dorville Roads – complete.

Rockpool Residential Aged Care – under construction.

Stage 2 works are now complete.

Stage 3 works are underway.

Stage releases

Stage 1 which includes 53 terrace homes is sold out.

Stage 2 which includes 49 terrace homes is sold out.

Stage 3 is now selling.

Construction started on the $43 million Rockpool Residential Aged Care in mid-2021.

In the village, the aged care is located in Stage 1 opposite The Green.

This 6-level, 150-bed accommodation and care facility will offer aged care, respite care, and specialist memory support care.

Australia’s first 5-star green star rated aged care home is set to open in north Brisbane in July this year, with construction on the $43 million development already underway. Photo – contributed.

Rockpool Residential Aged Care CEO, Mel Argent said the decision to attempt the 5-Star Green Star design rating was not taken lightly.

“There are considerable costs involved, however, the legacy for our residents, staff, the environment and the efficient long-term operating costs easily make the entire project worthwhile,” Ms Argent said.

“To achieve the 5 Star Green Star design rating, every aspect of the Carseldine project must be evaluated.

“Everything is constantly being assessed and measured including energy and water consumption to ensure we meet predetermined targets.

“The Carseldine site will be gas-free, with the electricity only solution complemented by hundreds of solar panels and several Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on site.

“We sourced our timber from fully compliant chains of supply and custody and used recycled materials in the concrete slabs and walls, while the majority of our reinforced steel was made using energy saving techniques.”

Ms Argent said the green building will deliver long-term benefits to Rockpool’s residents once complete, not just in the comfort and amenity, but in the knowledge of their legacy to future generations.

“We went beyond the acoustic requirements outlined in the National Construction Code, which means residents will enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment,” Ms Argent said.

Australia’s first 5-star green star rated aged care home is set to open in north Brisbane in July this year, with construction on the $43 million development already underway. Photo – contributed.

“The design and construction of the building has also factored in the potential impacts of climate change and significant temperature variations.

“Just because the building and construction materials are green doesn’t mean we’re for going any of the creature comforts our residents love.

“Residents will have access to domestic kitchens for supervised cooking, walking tracks, an on-site laundry, landscaped gardens, a cinema, a coffee shop for the local community to share with us, outdoor BBQs, a hair and beauty salon, and a fully equipped wellness and vitality centre.”

Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia, the 5-Star Green Star rating assesses nine impact areas related to design, construction, and operation.

The aged will also feature:

– Rainwater harvesting for re-use on landscaping

– Solar PV to reduce energy dependence on grid

– Heat exchange and reticulation in laundry and kitchen

– Three electric vehicle charging stations.