Purrkanaitya Aboriginal Elders Village
A new model for culturally appropriate Elder housing, this village was shaped through deep consultation with Kaurna Elders and the Home Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), creating independent living environments that honour Country, strengthen community connection and enable Aboriginal Elders to age in place with dignity and autonomy.
C4 Architects was engaged to create a culturally responsive independent-living village for Aboriginal Elders at Warriparinga, a site significant for its connection to Sturt Creek and the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre. The project positions Elders close to essential services while respecting the landscape’s cultural importance.
Developed through extensive consultation with Kaurna Elders and the ILSC, the masterplan focuses on connection to Country and community. Flexible one-bedroom dwellings support passive climate comfort, while verandahs and covered walkways provide shaded, intuitive links between homes and shared outdoor areas.
Environmental factors – including the creek corridor, wetlands and native vegetation – shaped siting and layout. The project is already viewed as a model for culturally grounded Elder housing, highlighting the value of early consultation and landscape-led planning.
Design approach
Culturally grounded planning
Direct collaboration with Kaurna Elders shaped a village that respects cultural significance and strengthens connection to Country. Shared outdoor spaces and garden views support cultural practice, gathering and storytelling.
Independent living with community at its heart
Self-contained one-bedroom dwellings reduce overcrowding and allow flexible orientation for natural light and ventilation. Verandahs soften thresholds and encourage daily interaction with landscape and neighbours.
A walking village connected by landscape
Covered walkways link homes, communal spaces and the wider cultural precinct, creating a pedestrian-focused environment. Minimising vehicle presence encourages independence, social connection and safe daily movement.
Environmental responsiveness
The design works with existing site conditions – creek, wetlands and mature vegetation – embedding landscape as a defining element. Passive design principles support year-round comfort with minimal mechanical reliance.
Explore Purrkanaitya Aboriginal Elders Village
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