#
Hospitality | Health | Education | Aged Care + Seniors Living

TLC Whitewater, Mordialloc

Client
TLC Healthcare
Completed
2023
Value
$70M
Location
Mordialloc, VIC

Project Details


Built Area
11346sqm
Levels
5
Awards

WINNER: 2023 UDIA Victoria Awards for Industry Excellence – Excellence in Seniors Living 

FINALIST: 2023 The Urban Developer Awards – Excellence in Design Innovation

Attributes


FitoutAuthorities WorksRestricted AccessGreenfield SiteMulti-Storey Building Basement Carpark

Project Partners


VIA ArchitectsmemLAMeinhardtLacus ConsultingTLC Healthcare
#

Overview

An Australian-first development in intergenerational care. TLC Whitewater redefines the traditional aged care model, creating a vibrant community for all generations.

This pioneering vision by TLC Healthcare integrates aged care, early learning, medical, wellness and hospitality services into a single location. 

TLC Whitewater provides a multigenerational setting and a university-designed program that fosters interaction between the senior residents and children at the on-site early learning centre. This model offers an array of social benefits, namely for the senior residents, by limiting isolation, delaying the decline of cognitive function, and supporting prolonged independence.

The four-storey building is organised into two programs: a combined activity/treatment/community program on the ground level and a residential program across levels one to three. The design harmoniously incorporates: 

  • 150-place residential aged care home (including 30 dementia places), each with an ensuite and most with balconies
  • 120-place early learning centre with an integrated intergenerational program
  • On-site TLC Medical Centre which connects the residents and the community to GPs, physiotherapists, and cardiologists
  • 1,500-member commercial gymnasium and four-lane 20-metre warm-water swimming pool
  • Village Cafe with hospitality offerings
  • 89 space basement carpark level (including car stackers)
  • Cinema and virtual reality studio utilising the latest LIDAR sensor technology 
  • Elsi Smart Floor system integrated with the nurse call system 
  • Hair and beauty salon
  • Woodworking studio
  • Sensory garden for residents with dementia
#

#

TLC Aged Care


#

TLC Early Learning


#

Village Cafe


#

TLC Medical & TLC Health Clubs


#

We formed the building around a central oculus which connects all levels. The circular glass atrium opens onto the second-level balcony, flooding the spaces with natural light and providing immediate access to nature.

#

Beneath the curved walls at each entrance lies a complex sub-framing system, expertly engineered to meet the structural requirements for both the battens and wind loads. We achieved the design by using a 'rotational twist' technique with the battens, marking the first use of this innovative method.

#

Each aged care unit has an advanced nurse call system and an integrated Elsi Smart Floor system, which tracks residents’ movements and detects falling incidents.


#

Process

We skilfully navigated many complexities, from the technical design to the challenging site location. Employing diverse strategies and construction methods, we cost-effectively delivered this significant development during the Covid-19 pandemic.

#

Plan.

Value Adding & Approach

  • We offered an accelerated program by proposing a re-design to structure and services utilising pre-fabricated materials. We met this program, despite the impacts of the pandemic.
  • Through an extensive re-design phase, we value engineered the project to combat rising construction costs. Without this, the time and cost implications for a development of this scale would have been significant. 
  • Our initial approach relied on a tower crane. Because of the site’s proximity to Moorabbin Airport, tower cranes were not permitted. We adapted our methodology and sequencing to deliver the entire structure using mobile cranes. 
  • Towards the completion of the design, we discovered critical structural inaccuracies. Without modification, the building would not have been adequately supported. With our consultant team, we adjusted the design to handle the altered load distribution whilst maintaining the architectural style.

Drive.

Key Challenges

  • The site was extremely narrow with low-lying powerlines which required careful coordination. 
  • The escalating pandemic restricted our workforce to 30 workers for six months, with periods of complete site shutdown. To minimise the impact to our program, we enforced stringent procedures and achieved nil cases of virus transmission on site.
  • Rainfalls nearly 50% higher than average added significant pressure, particularly in waterproofing the basement. We installed groundwater monitoring bores to establish the risks, followed by an additional agricultural drain to improve drainage.
  • Shallow groundwater tables and a leaky bluestone drainage network also caused de-watering issues. We negotiated an alternative trade waste approach with authorities, which avoided major delays. 
  • We fitted the aged care rooms with Elsi Smart Floor, developing an innovative sequencing and installation strategy to reduce the lengthy preparation measures required. A different approach would have seen delays through the fitout works.

Deliver.

Project Outcomes

  • TLC's Mordialloc was the first development of its kind in Australia, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in community care.
  • This project has earned multiple industry awards for its innovative design and quality construction.

COMMUNITY OUTCOMES

  • The 120-place Early Learning Centre facilitates TLC's unique intergenerational program JELLYFISH (Joining Enriching Learning Laughter Young Fun Intergenerational Supporting Happiness) where children engage regularly with aged care residents.
  • The commercial gym, TLC Health Clubs, offers group fitness classes, reformer pilates, and swimming or sauna sessions.
  • The integrated TLC Medical Centre offers access to GPs and a range of on-site allied health services including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, podiatry, or dietetics.
  • In consideration of the neighbours, we constructed dual plant platforms with sound-dampening screens, minimising noise from the air-conditioning units.
  • The 660-KVA diesel generator on the southern deck, guarantees full power during outages, with a convenientstreet-level remote refuelling station.

CONSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

  • This is one of the most technically demanding projects Higgins has delivered during an extremely challenging time within the industry. We’re very proud to have made this ambitious vision a reality.
  • We executed the first ‘rotational twist’ application of the Sculptform timber-look battens to create the curved walls at each entrance. This project was a pioneering example of using this method to create complex curves.

#

Site Diary

#

Construction Timelapse