The proposed extension to Ardency’s signature Retirement Village “The Baytree” at 1 Ulonga Avenue consists
of four generous self-contained Seniors Living Apartments linked to the existing Village reception via an elegant new covered bridge. The building is designed to have a single storey appearance from the street, with each of the generously proportioned three bedroom apartments taking up an entire floor as they step down the sloping site. This arrangement allows for the creation of spacious private terraces to each residence, landscaped and oriented to catch the sun, yet screened to provide shade and maintain privacy. The design maximises solar access during mid-winter and provides natural cross ventilation to all apartments via double glazed windows, increasing internal comfort and reducing energy use. A photovoltaic array of 30 panels is included on the roof to power common facilities and a solar boosted hot water system further lowers energy bills. The external materials palette of natural stone and recycled timber pergola screens provides an earthy contrast to the crisp white rendered walls selected to harmonise with the existing building and its green setting.