Spectacular is not a word one usually associates with village communities, but Southern Cross Lynbrook easily delivers on this label. Its quality of design, maximum six star energy rating and stunning clubhouse, complemented by an impressive residential aged care facility adjacent, makes the development a showcase for the industry.
Nothing prepares you for a first inspection of Southern Cross Lynbrook.
The visually imposing central clubhouse is a revelation in the otherwise laidback Lynbrook precinct; it would not seem out of place at Southbank in Melbourne's CBD. Inside the surprises continue - the lounges, bar, gymnasium and all the other facilities of a quality you would expect from a luxury hotel.
Contradicting this striking centerpiece is the residential village - made up of subtle, contemporary homes that seem as if designed to disappear into the streetscape. In fact, they have.
Lynbrook is the ultimate planned community, a remarkable initiative and achievement by Southern Cross Care (Vic), a not-for-profit care based organisation that has been providing care and support to older Victorians for nearly 40 years.
With Lynbrook, Southern Cross Care set out to create the benchmark in energy conscious sustainable living. This meant they had to embrace new materials and new thinking. Turning to multi-award-winning architects Rothe Lowman, Southern Cross Care briefed them on the needs of people aged 55 and over - such as no steps, ergonomically friendly switches and high speed internet connections - and then said go for it. And they did.
The result is a very contemporary design, inside and out. While all houses have north facing living areas to make the most of the sunshine, the roads meander with gentle curves so that people do not look into each other's front windows. The front windows are, in fact, small so as to avoid the harsher sun.
Every large courtyard has a cleverly designed pergola - made from materials that don't require maintenance - that lets the sun in during winter but protects against it in summer. Within each home, the walls and ceilings are polywall-insulated for temperature and sound; the solar-boosted hot water system keeping costs down. Open plan living is accentuated by stunning kitchens that feature big Caesar stone benches, stainless steel appliances and the smartest, high gloss polyurethane cabinetry.
The value for money is exceptional, as is the choice. There are six different home designs, again ensuring that as the villages grows it will have light and shade in its streetscape, not rows of identical houses. A walking trail has been designed around the perimeter with native landscaping again creating a varied vista as you pass through the village.
Southern Cross Lynbrook will comprise 196 homes with a population of up to 270 residents. They will have the ultimate clubhouse as their meeting place - featuring inside / outside alfresco dining and lounge area, business and multi-media centre, hair salon, theatre, billiards room, bar and library, plus art and hobby facilities.
For those concerned about their future health care needs, Southern Cross Care (Vic) has built a state of the art residential aged care facility next door that offers prestige services such as gourmet meals and wine service with dinner.
But one of the most remarkable aspects of this village is the fact that Southern Cross Care is a truly not-for-profit organisation. It was founded by a group of Catholic laymen, known as the Knights of the Southern Cross. Today it provides aged and community care services and retirement living options to 5,300 clients and residents throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The initiative to be a leader in energy efficiency and to be at the forefront of village and care design deserves to be commended.
For more information or to arrange an inspection, please call 1800 672 971or please click here.
