Retirement & Aged Care Architecture: Putting People at the Centre

Here at Pynenburg & Collins Architects, we believe good architecture grows from collaboration, creativity, insight and best practice. Our measure of success is simple: supporting independent living, quality of life, and places where care and community happen.

What matters to residents and their whānau

Warmth, daylight and comfort. Homes that are easy to navigate, simple to use, and designed to support independence for as long as possible.
Privacy and dignity, balanced with connection. Front doors that feel welcoming, paths that encourage chance encounters, and shared spaces that feel like living rooms rather than institutional lobbies.
Thoughtful acoustic design that reduces noise and supports wellbeing, clear wayfinding that builds confidence, storage where it’s needed, and outdoor spaces that invite everyday rituals like gardening, walking, sitting in the sun.

How we deliver

Co‑design and strong relationships: We work closely with operators, clinicians, village managers and contractors, because great outcomes are inherently collaborative.

At Woburn Masonic Care (Lower Hutt), 86 independent‑living apartments sit alongside shared amenities including a café, lounges, library, fitness suite, workshop and conservatories. The project was developed in close partnership with the operator to support community life and long‑term operational needs.

Evidence informed planning and detailing: Our approach focuses on universal design - layouts that consider the needs of older people, maximise independence, and remain adaptable over time. Additionally we design with durable materials, providing whole‑of‑life value.

At Arrowtown Lifestyle Village (Otago), a mix of villa sizes responds to different household circumstances and lifestyles. Local materials such as stacked stone and cedar give homes a strong sense of place. At Woburn Masonic Care, sensitive height and massing along the street

reduce perceived bulk, while arranging the building around the perimeter creates a sheltered, sunny courtyard that supports everyday community connection.

Clear communication from early design through delivery: We prioritise clarity and continuity across all design phases - from feasibility, through to construction - creating better outcomes and building long‑term partnerships.

Our work at Bishop Snedden Retirement Village (Wellington region) began with master planning in 2010 and resumed in 2020 to deliver 20 semi‑detached units and a community space. We have worked with Wellington Catholic Homes Trust since 1998. At Arrowtown Lifestyle Village, we have been providing staged architectural services since 2018.

Our commitment is to create beautiful, enduring, well‑detailed homes and community spaces that support independence, connection and care, whether independent living, rest home or hospital facilities. Places people are proud to call home.

If you’re a village operator, trust or community provider planning new villas, apartments, rest home or hospital facilities, or refurbishments, we’d love to kōrero.