Elanora Uniting Care needed a 100-room residential aged care facility that met stringent NCC Class 9c requirements while avoiding the institutional aesthetic typical of healthcare construction. The coastal Shellharbour location required materials resistant to moisture and salt exposure, and the project timeline demanded efficient construction methods across three storeys with minimal rework. The facility also targeted Green Star 5 certification, requiring sustainable material sourcing and energy-efficient design throughout.
Big River supplied a comprehensive materials package tailored to the project's requirements. ArmourForm Formply was used for concrete formwork throughout the three-storey structure, providing consistent surface finish and reuse capability that kept the formwork teams moving between levels without re-learning the system.
For the exterior, Scyon Matrix fibre cement cladding achieved the architect's vision of a contemporary coastal finish while contributing thermal mass for energy efficiency. The material's fire resistance met NCC Class 9c requirements without additional treatments.
Truform LVL beams provided structural support with predictable performance, and custom Victorian Ash handrails were manufactured to exact architectural specifications, reducing on-site customisation. Finger jointed architraves and skirting completed the interior fitout package.
The completed facility houses 100 residents across neighbourhood-style living clusters designed to feel residential rather than institutional. Solar panels and rainwater capture deliver approximately 50% of energy needs, contributing to the Green Star 5 certification. The Scyon Matrix cladding has maintained its appearance with minimal maintenance since completion in 2015, and the project received an MBA Award for Excellence in the Aged Care / Retirement Living category in 2016.
Used for concrete formwork throughout the three-storey structure, providing consistency and reuse capability.
View Details
Specified for structural support, offering predictable performance and reduced waste compared to solid timber.
View Details
Achieved the architect's vision of a contemporary coastal finish while contributing thermal mass for energy efficiency.
View Details
Custom-manufactured timber handrails to exact architectural specifications, reducing on-site customisation.
View Details
Bespoke finger-jointed pine skirting and architraves manufactured to exact specifications for the facility.
View DetailsBig River's coordination of the materials schedule was critical to keeping the build program on track across three storeys. The ArmourForm consistency meant our formwork teams could move between levels without re-learning the system.
Featured on The Project — showcasing innovative use of Australian-made fibre cement in aged care design.
Case study on the thermal and acoustic performance of the Scyon Matrix cladding system.
Walk-through video with the builder and architect discussing material selection and construction methodology.
Sydney, NSW
ArmourForm Formply, Structural LVL
Learn More
Maroochydore, QLD
Spotted Gum Decking, Structural Hardwood
Learn More
Talk to our team about product specification, delivery logistics, and technical support for your next build.
