| 87 T T Lindy Andrews Senior-living with a modern take The five purpose-built homes are being built on a quarter-acre Alexandra Street site in Te Awamutu. DEVELOPMENT Kingston Group “The whole intention is to deliver a modern take on senior-friendly living with really efficient use of space.” When Kingston Group’ s Peter Leach learned of an older couple forced to leave Te Awamutu, the town where they had raised their children and served the community for some 60 years, he didn’t take it lying down. “They needed to downsize and couldn’t find anything fit for purpose. My feeling was that if you served this town, this town should serve you,” Peter says. In October 2023, he took his concerns to Waipa District Council, suggesting a groundbreaking medium- to high-density approach to building homes for seniors keen to preserve their independence. The council agreed, opening the way for a community of five purpose-built homes to be built on a quarter- acre Alexandra Street site. Built with comfort, security, safety and accessibility in mind, the senior-friendly homes are thoughtfully designed and sensibly priced from $595,000. As the plans for Alexandra St’s two-bedroom freehold homes developed, Peter’s grandmother was never far from his mind. “As I was mulling over them, I pictured what she would need at 80 years of age or 85.” Every aspect is carefully considered, including location, landscaping and interior fit-out. From wider doorways and no-step entries to user-friendly kitchens and bathrooms, and well- thought-out security lighting, the homes offer seniors the freedom to enjoy life in style, safely and on their own terms. Little touches count. Standard dishwashers, seniors told Peter, would sit empty. They were too big and required stooping to be stacked. So, Kingston Group put in compact, easy to reach dish-drawers with storage below. The original drawings included gas hot water, but that would have meant residents needed to pay daily charges for both gas and electricity connections. Peter settled on all electricity – complete with a hot water/airing cupboard. Decks feature raised planter boxes for avid gardeners and a handy bench seat to rest on. Stormwater has been put to good use, with each home having its own 1000-litre, above- ground tank – ensuring plenty of water for irrigation during dry spell restrictions and an emergency water supply. In the bathrooms – designed as very ontrend wet rooms – shower doors are easily popped out to allow for wheelchair access if required. Inside the shower walls, noggs are in place should a shower seat need to be installed in the future. When it came to designing in accessibility – future-proofing against life’s physical changes – Peter and his team went for “homely not hospital”. Grab rails are elegant, not institutional. Sleek, accessible toilets barely rate a second glance, but are a welcome addition for people with prosthetic hips, arthritis, balance problems or other mobility issues. “The whole intention is to deliver a modern take on senior-friendly living with really efficient use of space,” Peter says. “It has changed our business model. Four years ago, our homes were just generic like any other developer. “It’s far more enjoyable being intentional, specific and purposeful about what we’re doing.” Proud to work with Kingston Group Transforming sites for better use Sam - 021 055 7774 E: office@profile-earthworks.co.nz
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