Retirement
Village

Camden

Concept

This incorporates 159 dwellings in a mixed use development, including retirement village, community facilities, motel, restaurant, residential care hostel and cultural centre.

Formerly a high school, the site presented many challenges and opportunities that the design team was able to take advantage of to deliver real value to the client and bring many benefits to the town centre of Camden.

A design that benefitted the broader community

Creating beautifully accessible spaces

Working with council to ensure a fully thought-out development plan

Reintroducing life, light and activity

The proposed new development will bring life, light and activity to the northern precinct of the township of Camden, an area that has been dilapidated and closed to the community for many years.

The new permanent population of the development will bring substantial economic benefits to Camden through increased commerce and is situated within easy walking distance to the main street with its existing cafes and shops. Social benefits will also come from the upgrade of this site and the many new community spaces and facilities that are planned for it.

Careful designs with council collaboration

Through a process of careful design, collaboration and consultation with the local council and community, early indications show that there is broad support for the proposal within the town, especially the retirement village component.

The development will incorporate many initiatives in sustainable design to achieve a high-performance rating in thermal efficiency, energy and water conservation. A five-star NatHERS rating has been achieved for all dwellings.

“We are so happy we used Playoust Churcher Architects for a major renovation of our Lower North Shore home. This complex architectural job combined advanced engineering, design and innovation and a creative approach to modern living. Playoust Churcher supported us from conception to completion – and well beyond.

 

They understood our lifestyle and desire for a collaborative approach and delivered us a dream home with which it would be hard to be happier. We’re delighted to recommend Playoust Churcher to anyone building or renovating a prestige home in Sydney.”

Justin & Marek

“We provided a very detailed brief on the design and the requirements both in terms of how it would support our family as it grew over time in addition to the design features that were important to us. We were thrilled with the concept and design they delivered. It ticked all the boxes.

 

We felt very confident the team understood our brief in terms of the design and how we hoped to live. They also showed an understanding of the financial requirements and cost issues that are really important whenever you undertake any renovation project.”

Nadia & Jamieson

 “Playoust Churcher Architects had an inherent understanding of the brief, and the design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth and detail.

 

It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area – people slow down and stare as they drive past.”

Kate & Scott

“When Brett and John came they just listened. John is so talented that we just trust him. I told John what I wanted our home to look like and to go for it. John can draw the designs upside down all by hand and you know exactly what he is doing. He is really talented and that was very obvious from the beginning. He is so passionate about what he does.

 

They were respectful of costs and just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects that listen. The house works perfectly with our needs – there is a flow that works beautifully.”

Lisa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Camden Retirement Village project about?

This development is a purpose-built seniors housing community designed under the SEPP Seniors Housing provisions in NSW. It emphasizes accessibility, walkability, and community integration—all designed to support ageing-in-place.

What services did Playoust Churcher provide in this project?

We delivered full architectural services including feasibility studies, master planning, concept design, and submission of a development application under SEPP Seniors Housing regulations. We guided the project from design to approval and delivery.

How does SEPP Seniors Housing support this type of development?

SEPP Seniors Housing allows greater flexibility in zoning, setbacks, and dwelling layouts to enable age-friendly, community-focused developments. It supports accessible design features, integrated open spaces, and smaller dwellings geared toward seniors.

What makes a successful retirement village under SEPP regulations?

Key success factors include proximity to transport and services, adaptable dwellings with consideration for mobility, thoughtful open and landscaped communal areas, and a scale appropriate to site context and community amenity.

Can Playoust Churcher assist with other seniors housing projects in NSW?

Yes. We have broad experience designing and delivering compliant SEPP Seniors Housing developments—both in metropolitan Sydney and regional areas. We work with landowners, aged-care operators, and developers to bring senior-friendly design concepts through to built outcomes.

Have questions? Chat
with our team today.

11 Marian Street
Killara NSW 2071
Australia

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