Karingal Green Penthouse
A THOUGHTFUL EXTENSION OF A RESPECTED AGED CARE PRECINCTS / PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
February 10, 2026
Photography: Ryan Murphy Studio
Architect: Hassell Architects
Builder: Mayfair Building and Construction
Some projects arrive with a sense of responsibility attached.
Karingal Green is an award-recognised aged care precinct, widely respected for the way it balances community, independence and a genuine sense of home. It is a place shaped by thoughtful design and strong values, and one that has been embraced by residents, families and the wider community alike.
So when Hall & Prior engaged Mayfair to transform an under-utilised executive office within the precinct into a residential aged care apartment, we knew the brief carried weight.
Not because the space needed to impress, but because it needed to belong.
How do you introduce something new into an environment that already works so well, without disrupting the calm, the warmth, or the philosophy behind it?
That question guided every decision.
A considered addition to an award-winning place
The existing space measured around 100 square metres and had previously functioned as office accommodation. The aim was to reimagine it as a fully compliant residential apartment, supporting additional RADs for the facility while maintaining the tone and integrity of the broader Karingal Green environment.
The brief was clear. This was not about excess or statement design. It was about creating a home that felt natural within its setting, one that quietly extended the values already embedded in the precinct.
Designed by Hassell Architects, the apartment was planned to feel intuitive, legible and calm. Every element needed to support day-to-day living while respecting the architectural language of Karingal Green as a whole.
Residential, not institutional
The interior design leans minimalist, with a warmth that feels almost familiar. There is a subtle nod to a modern, 1970s-inspired sensibility through timber tones, natural materials and clean, grounded lines.
Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels clinical.
Natural stone, real timber and premium Australian fabrics were selected not for show, but for the way they age, the way they feel, and the sense of permanence they bring to the space. The palette is restrained, allowing the apartment to feel settled rather than styled.
This is a home designed to be lived in, not managed.
Accessibility that feels effortless
Accessibility was central to the planning, particularly in the bathroom, where layout, clearances and fixtures were carefully considered to support ease of movement and independence.
When accessibility is done well, it does not announce itself. It simply allows a person to move through their space with confidence and dignity.
The apartment includes a living area, kitchenette, fully accessible bathroom and enclosed alfresco, all connected in a way that feels natural and unencumbered. The flow supports daily routines without creating friction or confusion.
Thoughtful technology, quietly integrated
The apartment also incorporates a Control4 smart home system, tailored to suit individual routines and preferences. Lighting, climate and controls are designed to support consistency and ease, particularly as needs change over time.
One innovation currently being trialled within the space is facial recognition entry technology. It removes the need for keys or access cards, offering secure entry without introducing additional complexity for the resident.
As with every element in the apartment, technology plays a supporting role. It is there to reduce effort, not draw attention.
Why projects like this matter to us
Aged care work requires a different lens.
It demands clarity, patience and a deep respect for the people who will live in the spaces we build. It is not just about meeting standards. It is about understanding how environments shape dignity, independence and quality of life.
We value projects like the Karingal Green Penthouse because they sit at the intersection of care, design and construction. They require collaboration, foresight and an integrated approach from the very beginning.
Mayfair has extensive experience delivering within the aged care sector, and we understand the responsibility that comes with it. Working alongside respected operators like Hall & Prior, within environments as thoughtfully designed as Karingal Green, reinforces the importance of building with intention.
This penthouse was never meant to stand apart. It was meant to belong. And when a space feels like it has always been there, you know the balance is right.
