After a rigorous 14-month assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, the Independent Planning Commission has granted SSDA approval to St Ives Botanica Care Community.
The $80 million, 148-suite facility on Sydney’s upper north shore, adjacent to Garigal National Park, sets a new benchmark for residential aged care.
Our Living and Lifestyle team guided the vision from early concept to SSDA, shaping a master plan that places wellbeing at its core. Inspired by biophilic principles, the environment features lush, inviting landscapes that foster walkability, connection to nature, and a deep sense of dignity in care.
Our holistic, site-responsive design integrates the built and natural environments. It ensures the facility feels domestic and personal, with courtyards and internal spaces arranged to support wellbeing and ease of movement.
The landscape design draws deeply from Country, responding to the site’s physical and cultural layers.
Through consultation with Traditional Knowledge Holders and walking on the Country, the team developed a site-wide narrative rooted in place. Courtyards reflect the distinct microclimates of the surrounding catchment—Ridgeline, Shady Gully, and Creekside—with planting schemes matched to aspect and orientation. Species selection fuses the botanical character of St Ives with indigenous vegetative communities, with botanical names proposed as a naming convention for each home wing.
Residents are at the heart of our design. Every aspect, from the materials choice to the layout, is meticulously planned to support memory and engagement. We have taken special care to cater to the needs of seniors, including those in the dementia care unit, ensuring that every resident feels valued and considered.
St Ives Botanica Care Community embodies a future-focused vision for aged care where architecture and landscape work together to create a true sense of belonging, place, and connection.
GroupGSA team: Noura Thaha, Lisa-Maree Carrigan, Anika Hoffman, Huy Minh Nguyen.
Noura is an Associate Principal and architect with experience across residential, government, infrastructure developments, and education sectors. She is well-versed in providing development advice and navigating complex statutory regulations to provide comprehensive solutions.