Sarah Blatchford – ELK Architecture

HIA Awards Broadmeadow Oaktree Seniors Village

Sarah Blatchford — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 03:13:14 +0000

Winner 2024 Hunter Affordable Housing

Winner 2024 Hunter Specialised Housing

Finalist 2025 HIA Australian Specialised Housing

The Oak Tree Retirement Village represents a groundbreaking advancement in accessible and affordable senior living in NSW. This flagship development features 29 residences set across four storeys, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units, providing a vibrant community where seniors can enjoy independent living without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. Built with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by the ageing population, this village creates an environment that fosters social connections while ensuring cost certainty for residents on fixed incomes.

The village features several communal recreation spaces – including a ground-floor library, lounge and kitchen; and a rooftop barbecue area – to encourage and support social connection among residents.

“Oak Tree Retirement Village shines as a model of innovation and community for the ageing population.”

The development draws inspiration from its location near the Nine Ways area and the Art Deco design of the former Century Theatre and Premier Hotel in Broadmeadow, Newcastle. It features a mix of materials from timber on the ground floor to the undulating white balustrades that references the Art Deco past as well as the coastal Newcastle location. The communal rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the Newcastle racecourse and surrounding beaches, creating a whimsical blend of historic charm and modern luxury.

The ELK Architecture & Interiors teams worked closely with The Oaktree Group and the large team of consultants along with Kingston Building, to design, collaborate, and build Broadmeadow Oaktree Seniors Village to achieve this award-winning outcome.

ELK was thrilled to be a part of the team for this project, congratulations to all of those involved. Watch this space to see how the project performs as a Finalist in the 2025 HIA Australian Specialised Housing category.

Architecture: ELK | Interiors: ELK | Photography: Alex McIntyre | Builder: Kingston Building

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ELK Architecture – Our Story

Sarah Blatchford — Tue, 28 May 2024 22:53:43 +0000

Since its inception in 2005, ELK has been quietly but steadily shaping spaces with a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. Straying away from the typical corporate rhetoric, ELK’s journey tells a story of growth, adaptability, and a genuine passion for architectural excellence.

“At ELK, we enjoy what we do. We value the equal and inclusive involvement of all parties, from staff to client, with an emphasis on balance, teamwork, and communication,” says ELK’s Managing Director Luke Stone, emphasising a genuine commitment to a collaborative approach to design.

From its modest beginnings, ELK has grown into an architectural firm known for its dedication to achieving outcomes that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics. With a focus on detail and an understated sophistication, ELK has left its mark across various architectural typologies.

Over the years, ELK has demonstrated its versatility in projects as both architects and interior designers ranging from bespoke residential, multi-residential, commercial developments and fit-outs, corporate offices to retail establishments, hospitality, industrial developments, mixed-use, master-planning, alterations and additions, civic projects & aged care.

As ELK celebrates nearly two decades of architectural excellence in 2024, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of design innovation while upholding its core values of inclusivity, collaboration, and integrity. Each project undertaken by ELK Architecture reflects a genuine passion for creating spaces that resonate with their users, leaving a lasting impact that goes beyond mere aesthetics.

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The ELK Interiors Design Team

Sarah Blatchford — Tue, 28 May 2024 22:49:49 +0000

The ELK interiors team is a passionate, collaborative and dynamic group of designers. There are always new ideas floating around, and problem-solving conversations bubbling away as we strive to create the best possible spaces for our clients.

Our interiors team have extensive experience across diverse typologies, places and clients. The team is led by Senior designers, Lucy Novak & Genevieve De Champlain. Both designers bring over 15 years of professional experience in the architectural design industry. The team also works closely with ELK’s Design Director, Daniel Hadley who brings a wealth of knowledge, design direction and technical oversight to our diverse team. Their insight and expertise are key to pushing the team’s designs to a high level and ensuring the client will be truly satisfied with the end result.

Our growing team of talented designers and drafters have a diverse mix of experience across various sectors including; hospitality, transport & aviation, education, healthcare, retail, residential, multi-dwelling residential & workplace, in both the Interior Design & Architectural fields.

Our knowledge in commercial and residential space planning, interior detailing and custom joinery ensures we constantly push the envelope to bring an enriched and refined space. We are skilled at tailoring a design to maximise the potential of a project with the aim to design spaces to reflect our clients, and enhance their brand or space.

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