Barossa Village embraces the power of co-design for outdoor transformation

Barossa Village is setting the standard in aged care by embracing true co-design, an approach that puts residents at the heart of shaping their environment. 

The South Australian care provider launched the pioneering initiative just this year. The goal, to transform key outdoor spaces across the Residency, its state-of-the-art residential care home, into vibrant, resident-led areas designed to enhance well-being, social connection, and community engagement.

The project comes at a crucial time for the aged care sector, as industry reforms emphasise resident empowerment, sustainability, and greater community integration in a person-centred care model. 

Barossa Village’s co-design model ensures that residents play an active role in shaping the very spaces that support their daily lives and overall wellbeing.

A collaborative vision

This transformation is made possible through the generous support of Nuriootpa philanthropist Dudley Boehm. The first co-design meeting, held in January with AB Wing residents, marked the beginning of a truly collaborative process. 

From selecting plants to designing footpaths, residents are actively contributing to every aspect of the redevelopment.

“Collaboration has always been at the heart of what we do at Barossa Village,” Chief Executive Officer Ben Hall said. 

“This project is more than just a garden upgrade – it’s about creating spaces that empower our residents, encourage social interaction, and enhance overall wellbeing. By giving residents a voice in shaping their environment, we’re strengthening their sense of belonging and community.”

Designing for wellbeing

The redesigned outdoor spaces will provide significant social and therapeutic benefits. Studies show that access to green spaces reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and encourages physical activity – key factors in improving the mental, emotional, and physical health of older adults.

Emma Phythian from Design By Emma, who is leading the landscape planning, promoted the project’s holistic impact.

“Connecting to nature is incredibly healing,” she explained.

“Through thoughtful design, we’re creating spaces that invite residents outdoors, encouraging interaction with plants, birds, and fresh air. The benefits for mental and physical health are immeasurable, and this project ensures that residents are truly involved in shaping these experiences.”

A community art mosaic, led by local artist Kate Ahlfors, will be another highlight of the transformation. 

This creative collaboration underscores Barossa Village’s commitment to artistic expression and fostering deeper connections between residents and the broader community.

A model for the future of aged care

Barossa Village is embracing the shift toward more holistic, sustainable, and person-centred aged care. Moving away from traditional institutional models, the organisation is demonstrating how co-design can empower residents, create meaningful spaces, and enhance overall quality of life.

It’s an approach that ensures all aged care environments are not only functional, but deeply enriching, empowering, and truly designed for and by the residents who call them home.

The Residency Garden transformation will incorporate key features such as:

• Socialisation spaces: Group seating areas and wide footpaths to encourage meaningful interactions
• Sensory features: Fragrant flowers, textured plants, and calming water elements to enhance cognitive and emotional wellbeing
• Accessibility: Raised garden beds, wheelchair-friendly paths, and circular routes for safe, easy navigation
• Sustainability & local integration: Use of Australian native plants and locally sourced materials to reflect the Barossa region’s identity
• Community art collaboration: A mosaic project led by artist Kate Ahlfors to integrate creativity into the landscape

By prioritising sustainability, accessibility, and meaningful engagement, Barossa Village is redefining the aged care experience. More than just an outdoor upgrade, this initiative responds to key sector challenges, including social isolation, mental health, and physical well-being.

With aged care in a period of transformation, Barossa Village is setting a new benchmark for how providers can enhance quality of life while advancing the broader goals of reform.

Through thoughtful design, collaboration, and innovation, they are building a future where aged care is about empowerment, engagement, and thriving communities.