Ōtau Ridge
Ōtau Ridge is an innovative new aged care village set within the rich, rural landscape of Clevedon, New Zealand. The project represents a significant commitment to sustainable and community-oriented living, balancing ecological considerations with the well-being of its residents.
As one of the first large-scale residential projects in New Zealand to pursue the prestigious Green Star Communities certification, Ōtau Ridge is shaping a new standard for integrated, eco-conscious design that enhances both social and environmental health.
Studio Pacific’s role at Ōtau Ridge included the initial strategic masterplan of the village through to the landscape detailed design stages amongst a broad consultant team. This process included comprehensive master planning and yield testing to optimise layout, architectural and landscape designs that reflect the area’s cultural heritage, and close engagement with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki (mana whenua) alongside other key stakeholders to honour cultural and community values. Additionally, Studio Pacific has collaborated closely with the council through pre-application meetings, facilitating a smooth development process from concept to execution while ensuring a cohesive and sustainable outcome.
Holistic Approach to Community and Accessibility
The masterplan, landscape, and architectural design focuses on creating an inclusive, well-connected community that maximises the potential of the natural site. The layout prioritises accessibility, universal design, and community connection, crafting a sense of place where residents can thrive. The village includes 120 independent living units and 40 care suites, alongside amenity buildings such as a pool and workshop spaces to foster daily engagement and activity. Designed to celebrate the site’s unique rural and cultural character, Ōtau Ridge fosters a deep connection to the surrounding environment, including Te Wairoa Awa and Clevedon Village. Compact living spaces central to Clevedon Village are complemented by the expansive rural backdrop, creating a balance between privacy and communal living, ideal for fostering interaction and community spirit. Each precinct within the development is uniquely defined by the surrounding landscape, with careful consideration given to respecting the area's cultural, historical, and rural character.
Sustainable and Resident-Focused Features
Ōtau Ridge includes an interconnected pedestrian network of trails and paths that weave through the village and across the floodplain, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the lush landscape while reducing reliance on vehicular transport. Extensive landscape spaces, both private and communal, provide opportunities for recreational and social activities, while ecological regeneration efforts support the restoration of wetlands and Te Wairoa Awa riparian corridor. An integrated stormwater system featuring rain gardens and rainwater storage further enhances the site’s environmental resilience.
Setting a New Benchmark in Sustainable Aged Care Living
Ōtau Ridge is setting a vision for the future of aged care living in Aotearoa. By balancing environmental stewardship with a resident-centred approach, Studio Pacific believes it has helped design a community that not only meets the needs of today’s later-living population, but also lays a foundation for future generations. As it progresses, Ōtau Ridge will stand as a landmark of sustainable, community-centred design, integrating architecture and nature to create a truly connected and resilient place to live.
Project Partners: Civil Plan, Tattico Ltd., Traffic Planning Consultants Ltd., Boffa Miskell, Designgroup Stapleton Elliot, Foley Group, Structure Design, eCubed, Mesh Consulting Ltd., ENGEO, Crossfire Ltd., GJ Gardner, Gibson O’Connor Construction Ltd.