Project Value: Approx $500K total, delivered progressively
Duration: Ongoing program over seven years
Status: Ongoing
Constitution Hill Retirement is a facility with 14 separate clusters of independent living apartments occupied by hundreds of retired owners. This is an ongoing, seven-year project with one residential block completed each year, typically over a three-month period, as part of the planned maintenance cycle.
The full project scope involves the external repair and repainting of residential buildings across the complex. Remedial work typically includes render removal and replacement, carpentry repairs to deteriorated timber elements, replacement of failed sealants and localised concrete repairs. Painting works cover eaves and fascia boards, rendered external walls, soffits, corroded downpipe brackets, doors and frames, pergolas and gable ends.
This work was planned and designed to protect the external fabric of each building while resetting and maintaining a long-term maintenance cycle across the site. Of highest priority was carrying out the works in a respectful, low-impact way suited to the needs of a retirement living facility. Safe access was maintained throughout, with disruption to residents and staff kept to a minimum.
A mix of elevated work platforms (EWPs) and rope access has been used to safely reach façades and other difficult areas. Minor scaffolding is installed where needed to assist with repairs. Access methods are carefully chosen at each stage, based on the building, to minimise visual impact, keep pathways clear, and protect surrounding gardens and communal spaces.
Working within a fully occupied retirement living setting requires additional coordination and sensitivity. Many residents are elderly, which means safety, noise control and access management must be handled with care so they can still enjoy a calm, orderly environment.
Established landscaped gardens and shared outdoor areas add to the complexity. Our teams work carefully to protect these spaces and maintain their appearance throughout the works, always avoiding disruption or distress for residents.
“A consistent, respectful approach has allowed essential maintenance to be delivered year by year without disrupting daily life for residents.”
Residents and site management value the respectful approach taken throughout the program, particularly the clear communication and predictable delivery year after year. The consistency of the works has helped build confidence and comfort within a sensitive living environment.
The ongoing work and success at Constitution Hill Retirement is largely due to our commitment to clear and consistent communication. Each stage of the project begins with a pre-start meeting to confirm scope, program, safety controls and communication protocols.
The site foreman and site manager speak daily to coordinate progress and respond to resident needs. Fortnightly meetings are held with the resident committee and site management, supported by ad-hoc communication between the project manager and site team to handle changes, sequencing, and resident concerns as they arise.
Dulux was specified as the coatings provider to ensure consistency, durability and long-term performance across the precinct. Systems were selected to suit the mix of substrates and to reduce future maintenance demands.
This approach supports a longer maintenance cycle while maintaining a stable, well-protected external finish.
Over time, the staged delivery established a strong, long-standing relationship between CHR and Dukes. Ongoing engagement reflects trust in the quality of workmanship, site management, and reliability of the program, ensuring it continues as part of the planned maintenance cycle.
Over the seven years, the project typically covered upgrades to communal facilities, landscaping improvements, accessibility enhancements, and maintenance works designed to improve resident comfort, safety, and lifestyle quality.
All works were carefully staged to suit a fully occupied retirement setting. One building was completed each year as part of a long-term maintenance program, with daily coordination to manage noise, access and movement. Safety, predictability and resident comfort were prioritised at every stage.
Staging the works allowed the asset owner to reset and maintain a consistent maintenance cycle without disrupting daily life across the precinct. This approach also helped manage budgets, maintain continuity, and ensure each building received the same level of care and attention.
Consistency was key. Clear communication, reliable delivery and a respectful on-site approach built trust with residents and management over time. The ongoing engagement reflects confidence in the workmanship, planning and the way each project was handled year after year.
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