Aged Care Reimagined: The Impact Of Australia’s First Multigenerational Community Care Precinct
Australia’s first multigenerational healthcare precinct, the award-winning TLC Healthcare | Mordialloc, is changing the future of aged care and setting a new benchmark for community-centric design. Recently recognised with the 2024 Good Design Australia Award for Social Impact, the project has demonstrated measurable benefits for both seniors and children, signalling a new era in intergenerational care.
Designed by VIA Architects (VIA) for TLC Healthcare, this $70 million pioneering project integrates aged care, early learning, primary care, health and wellness services and hospitality offerings into one purpose-built, community-focused precinct, located in Melbourne’s southeast suburb of Mordialloc.
At the heart of the design is the TLC Jellyfish Program; an intergenerational care initiative that recently became the subject of a groundbreaking research study by the University of Melbourne. The program brings aged care residents and early learners together through structured shared activities, designed to foster connection, purpose and wellbeing across generations.
Released in February 2025, the study shows that bringing seniors and young children together through a structured program improves quality of life, with residents experiencing significantly reduced loneliness and increased happiness, while children demonstrated enhanced empathy, confidence and verbal skills (see more here).
For VIA, this wasn’t about co-location, it was about intentionally shaping environments that facilitate natural connection between generations. From the light-filled central oculus to the sensory Early Learning Centre and age-inclusive gym, pool and Pilates studio, every design move invites engagement, social participation and a sense of shared community.
Frank Bambino, Managing Director at VIA, knew that designing the nation’s first multigenerational healthcare community was a task not to be taken lightly.
“Multigenerational care models will play an integral role in reforming the industry, creating a new sense of purpose for older Australians while also acting as an educational platform for the children of the next generation,” said Bambino.
“Our studio’s human-led philosophy drove our design approach for TLC Healthcare | Mordialloc, focusing on facilitating connectivity and creating an environment where aged care residents would feel a strong sense of integration with their community.”
The project is already serving thousands of individuals daily across five services, providing a powerful example of how built environments can support better health, social and emotional outcomes. With its innovative model now in operation, TLC Healthcare | Mordialloc sets a national precedent for integrating healthcare, education and aged care in ways that benefit every generation.
Key design features include:
• A naturally lit, three-storey open oculus that connects all precinct services around a central social heart.
• A sculptural porte-cochere and entry sequence that welcomes aged care residents and their families.
• A playful, coastal-themed Early Learning Centre designed for sensory exploration.
Committed to prioritising resident safety and providing peace of mind for their families, Elsi Smart flooring monitoring system has been incorporated within the aged care centre. This state-of-the-art solution utilises the innovative MariCare Elsi® system, which employs built-in floor sensors to detect and promptly respond to residents' medical needs.
The Elsi Smart flooring system promptly detects falls ensuring timely assistance when needed, minimising risks and enhancing resident care. Its efficacy has been rigorously tested, with proven results observed during a four-year trial at Helsinki's second largest Health Care home, Kustaankartano, from 2008 to 2012*. The trial showcased a staggering reduction of almost 50% in fall incidents within the Elsi unit. Remarkably, falls occurring between 2pm and 7pm were reduced by an astounding 97%.
The project was presented with an Award for Excellence in Seniors Living at the UDIA Victoria Awards for Excellence, and also achieved finalist status in The Urban Developer Excellence in the Design Innovation category.
*Data source: Gerontechnology journal, Oksanen et al., 2012.
About VIA Architects
VIA Architects (VIA) is an award-winning architecture and design practice based in Melbourne. With impressive credentials in the areas of seniors living, residential, masterplanning, mission critical buildings, healthcare, retail and hospitality and commercial design, VIA creates considered design solutions that respond to place, purpose and real human need. Founded on a philosophy of challenging the norm to create the exception, they are renowned for their ingenuity and human-centric approach to design.
VIA has collaborated with some of Australia’s most innovative development teams propelling the practice to the forefront of the industry. As they look to the future, VIA continues to strive for design excellence while challenging the status quo.
