Gracedale
Human-centred design that restores value to later life.
The design philosophy behind Gracedale was founded on a deep conviction: aged care should feel like home. From the outset, the vision was to move beyond the traditional model of institutional wards and instead create an environment where people could live with dignity, independence, and belonging.
Rather than defaulting to long corridors, rows of identical rooms, and a hospital-like rhythm, Gracedale was conceived as a series of small, human-scale clusters of 7-8 residents. Each cluster centres around its own kitchen, dining, and living spaces, settings that are familiar, warm, and communal. These shared areas encourage residents to gather, share meals, and build relationships, while private bedrooms ensure comfort, safety, and clinical care when needed.
This approach was a deliberate break from convention. It placed people before process, prioritising warmth, identity, and community without compromising on the standards of efficiency or care. The result was a model that proved not only workable but adaptable and enduring – a place where residents and families continue to feel a true sense of home.
Gracedale’s design and model of care were recognised nationally with awards in the aged care sector, highlighting its pioneering role in shifting the standard of residential care in New Zealand. More than a facility, it has become a benchmark for how architecture can deliver both humanity and practicality, restoring value and dignity to the later stages of life.
