Designed by Woods Bagot, St. Clare is a pioneering retirement living precinct created for the “Vinyl generation” – a community seeking the lifestyle, character and architectural quality synonymous with Melbourne’s established inner suburbs. Set within expansive landscaped gardens, the precinct brings together contemporary and heritage architecture, generously proportioned residences, and five-star amenities that support connection, wellness, quiet reflection and everyday living. 

St. Clare reimagines retirement living for a new generation, combining the character and heritage of Kew with contemporary residences and a highly amenitised community environment. Through the sensitive integration of heritage assets and thoughtfully designed new architecture, the precinct offers a model for ageing in place that is both contextually responsive and future-focused. 

Woods Bagot Associate Principal and Project Lead Blair Parkinson said: 

“We are deeply honoured to receive this award, which reflects the vision, leadership and unwavering commitment of our valued client, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, together with the outstanding contributions of the construction team at Hacer and the broader design consultant team. 

“St. Clare represents a significant step forward in retirement living design, demonstrating how architecture can celebrate heritage while creating contemporary places of connection, wellbeing and community. Through the sensitive integration of heritage assets and a commitment to design excellence, the project has established a new benchmark for the sector, and we are proud to see its impact and legacy recognised through this award.” 

Woods Bagot Principal and Interior Design Leader Bronwyn McColl said thoughtfully designed homes that respond to an ageing population are essential to helping residents remain independent, connected and engaged within their communities. 

“The benefits of ageing in place within a village setting cannot be overstated. Working closely with VMCH, we designed homes that can adapt alongside residents as their needs evolve over time, while maintaining a sense of dignity, comfort and permanence rather than feeling overtly clinical or institutional.” 

Liz Hickey, VMCH Chief Retirement Living Officer, said, “We are incredibly proud to see St. Clare recognised on the international stage through the INDE Awards. This award is a testament to the vision, creativity and collaboration that brought St. Clare to life, led by the outstanding team at Woods Bagot and supported by many dedicated partners and VMCH staff. 

“St. Clare was designed to challenge traditional perceptions of retirement living, creating a community where people can live with connection and independence. To have that vision recognised among projects from across the Indo-Pacific is an honour.” 

Woods Bagot Director Peter Miglis said the award recognised a shared ambition to challenge traditional perceptions of retirement living. 

“Winning the INDE Award in the Multi-Residential category for St. Clare is a tremendous honour. This recognition reflects a shared vision with VMCH to create a retirement community that redefines expectations of the sector – one that offers exceptional design quality, genuine connection and a place where people can truly thrive.” 

“Great projects are always the result of collaboration. We thank our client, the Woods Bagot team, consultants, collaborators and project partners whose passion, creativity and commitment helped realise a project that will leave a lasting legacy for both residents and the broader retirement living sector.” 

Read more about St. Clare here. 

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Adrien Moffatt
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