CHT Highfield Aged Care

Recognising the ever-increasing need for quality residential care in the upper North Island as our population ages and lifespans lengthen, CHT set out to meet the demand by providing quality care facilities that offer a comfortable and supportive environment for its residents.

60 beds are spread over six wings, each featuring ten bedrooms and a shared lounge complete with a kitchenette. The smaller grouping of rooms creates an intimate and homely atmosphere, while still allowing residents to move freely throughout the building.

Residents can enjoy the garden surroundings and quality care that the facility offers, creating a strong sense of home. The lounges all have access to inner courtyards, which encourage movement into the outdoor areas where raised garden beds are available for residents to use and enjoy.

The facility’s design features three pairs of wings that extend from a central building. The last two wings, which house the dementia unit, are extended further out from the main building, opening up significant additional outdoor space. The outdoor area includes shaded seating, lawn and paved paths, all surrounded by a brick and weatherboard exterior that creates a homely and welcoming feel.

Skylights and solar tubes bring natural light indoors, creating a bright and warm atmosphere while also reducing energy consumption.

Accessibility is a top priority throughout the design, with handrails installed to aid residents’ movement and identification. Fire doors are designed to stay open during daily operations, while rooms are generously sized, with every aspect of the design aimed at maximising space for patient comfort and ease of staff use.

The facility’s thoughtfully designed spaces, attention to detail and emphasis on creating a homely and welcoming environment sets it apart as a true leader in care facilities.