The completion of Sunnycare’s $20 million Stage 2 expansion in Sunnybank Hills was recently marked with an official opening and community celebration, bringing together residents, families, community leaders and project partners.
Delivered by Alder, the expansion adds 66 new private rooms and brings the completed facility’s capacity to more than 130 residents, providing additional capacity for Brisbane’s growing multicultural ageing community.
The opening was marked with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Federal Member for Moreton Julie-Ann Campbell MP, State Member for Stretton James Martin MP, Councillors Kim Marx and Emily Kim, President of the Queensland Chinese United Council Michael Ma, families and members of the local community. Cultural performances and activities were also held as part of the celebrations.
Located on an approximately 11,000sqm site, the Stage 2 expansion has added a new two-storey extension to the existing facility, including 66 private rooms, communal living and dining areas, kitchenettes, outdoor terraces and landscaped spaces.
The existing community hall was also expanded to accommodate around 400 people for family gatherings, cultural celebrations and community activities, while major kitchen and laundry upgrades were undertaken to support the increased resident capacity.
Additional works included new offices, enhanced accessibility paths and a suspended link bridge connecting the new and existing buildings.
The design incorporates elements intended to support connection and familiarity, including inspiration from the traditional Chinese Siheyuan, with smaller-scale living spaces arranged around shared areas.
One of the project’s most distinctive architectural features is the roof, which incorporates the Chinese character ‘人’, meaning ‘person’ or ‘people’. Bringing the architectural concept to life presented a unique construction challenge and required close coordination between the Alder team, consultants and specialist trades.
Alder CEO – Constructions Dean Cheffers said the project required careful coordination to integrate the new facilities with the existing building and infrastructure.
“Expanding an existing facility requires a high level of coordination to ensure the new spaces integrate seamlessly with the existing building and infrastructure,” he said.
“The completion of Stage 2 is a significant milestone for Sunnycare and the wider community, and we’re proud to have delivered a project that will support the organisation’s continued growth.”
The completed expansion provides Sunnycare with additional residential capacity while maintaining its focus on culturally responsive care and creating spaces that support connection between residents, families and the wider community.
