Best affordable seniors housing design for Global Awards shortlisted
MELBOURNE: The shortlist for the best affordable seniors housing design has been declared.
Over 250 designs have been considered by the awards secretariat. One of the finalists in this category is shown above.
A public rental housing complex for elderly residents is set to break ground this month in Goheung-gun, South Jeolla Province, as part of efforts to address the challenges of a super-aged society and improve housing stability and welfare for local seniors.
According to Goheung-gun, the project site is located at 1164-1 Yongjeong-ri, Doyang (Nokdong)-eup, with a total project cost of 45.2 billion won ($31.9 million) — comprising 15.3 billion won in national funds, 14.6 billion won from the Housing and Urban Fund, and 15.3 billion won in county funds.
The 15-story building will contain 150 units: 70 units with an exclusive use area of 31 square meters and 80 units at 41 square meters. Completion is scheduled for the second half of next year.
The complex will be built to barrier-free design standards and will serve as a pilot rental housing model, incorporating senior-tailored welfare facilities such as a physical therapy room and a communal dining hall.
Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) plans to select an operator through a public tender process, and a tenant recruitment announcement is expected before the end of the year.
Goheung-gun, which entered super-aged society status early, recorded a share of residents aged 65 and older at 47.8 percent as of April this year — the highest rate in the country.
“This goes beyond simply supplying housing — we are building a one-stop residential and welfare model where seniors can enjoy their later years in the best possible environment,” said Kim Dong-myeong, an official at the county’s general civil affairs office. He added that details on the deposit and monthly rent would be announced at a later date.
The project is a competitive grant program overseen by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, under which Goheung-gun is partnering with LH to build a senior-tailored mixed residential and welfare facility.
The Global Award winner will be announced in December in London. (Globals)