Southern Cross Care (NSW.ACT) refurbished its Marian North Parramatta home into a dementia-friendly, household-style model integrating clinical and community care. The project won the Property & Design category at the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards for its scalable approach to aged mental health design in existing buildings. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on November 27, 2025…To view all of the results…
The redevelopment of Marian Residential Aged Care Home in North Parramatta represents a fundamental shift in how Australia cares for older people living with dementia and complex mental health conditions. Completed in two stages between July 2023 and December 2024, the $12.5 million refurbishment transformed an outdated, institutional-style facility into a contemporary, dementia-friendly environment built on the household model of care.
Previously characterised by long corridors, shared dormitory-style wards and segregated treatment areas, Marian reflected a traditional hospital blueprint common in older mental health aged care settings. Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) (SCC) deliberately moved away from this model, recognising that institutional design can contribute to disorientation, agitation and prolonged hospital stays for residents with psychogeriatric needs.
Instead of pursuing a knock-down rebuild, SCC chose a staged refurbishment so residents could remain in their homes throughout construction. This decision prioritised continuity of care, emotional security and community connection. Importantly, residents were not shielded from the redevelopment; they were encouraged to observe and engage with the works, fostering familiarity and a sense of ownership over the transformation.
The project was led internally by SCC’s Property Development Management team and delivered in collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of experts. Architectural design was undertaken by Integrated Design Group (IDG) Architects, whose team reconfigured the existing floorplate into self-contained cottage homes. Project management was overseen by Cyre Projects, while engineering services were provided by Donnelly Simpson Cleary (mechanical and electrical) and EWFW (hydraulics). Landscape architecture was led by Wallman & Partners, ensuring the outdoor spaces were as therapeutic and enabling as the interiors.
The redesign introduced smaller, domestic-scale cottages where residents live together in shared kitchens and living spaces, supported by private ensuite bedrooms. Dementia-enabling principles were embedded throughout. Individually designed doorways and memory boxes support wayfinding and recognition. En-suites are visible from beds to reduce incontinence-related distress. High-contrast colour schemes and intuitive layouts minimise confusion, while dead ends were removed to promote safe wandering.
Outdoor access is central to the model. Secure courtyards include walking tracks, rest areas, sensory gardens, aviaries and water features, designed to encourage movement, engagement and connection with nature. Lowered kitchen benches allow residents to participate in meal preparation, restoring routine and autonomy.
A key feature of the redevelopment is its integration with the broader health system. Through partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District and the NSW Ministry of Health, Marian now supports a community-based model that integrates psychiatric services and hospital outreach within the aged care setting. This enables older people with complex mental health conditions to transition from long hospital stays into a stable, home-like environment without sacrificing clinical oversight.
The results have been measurable and significant. Since Stage One opened, falls have reduced by 18%, supported by safer layouts and clearer wayfinding. Incidents of aggression have also fallen by 18%, reflecting the calming influence of smaller household groupings and familiar spaces. Nutritional outcomes have improved dramatically: there are currently no residents experiencing significant weight loss, representing a 100% improvement since July 2023, and consecutive weight-loss episodes have been reduced by 73%. NSW Health’s Older People’s Mental Health Policy Unit has reported very few hospital readmissions, noting improved quality of life for residents and families.
The project was delivered on budget despite structural constraints, including working within the existing roofline and incorporating late-stage flood mitigation requirements. Retaining elements of the original concrete floorplate, columns and roof framing also supported sustainability goals.
Recognition from sector leaders has followed. The Dementia Centre has highlighted Marian as a leading example of dementia-enabling design and now features the refurbishment as a case study in its education programs.
Today, Marian operates at full occupancy with consistent waitlist demand, demonstrating strong community confidence in the model. By aligning architecture, clinical partnership and person-centred care, Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has created a scalable blueprint for aged mental health services.
