Senior Care Centre at Bukit Canberra ActiveSG: A Space Designed for Comfort

Senior Care Centre at Bukit Canberra ActiveSG: A Space Designed for Comfort

A thoughtfully designed ceiling supports comfort and care

The Senior Care Centre at Bukit Canberra ActiveSG in Singapore stands as a testament to thoughtful, community-centered design. Developed by the Singapore Sports Council, the centre was conceived as a sanctuary for the elderly—offering wellness, connection, and daily care in a welcoming environment. To support this vision, the design team prioritised materials that are quiet, clean, and enduring. Alüm™ was selected to contribute to the ceiling system, providing a option that balances acoustic comfort with lasting performance.

Installed across various sections of the care centre, Alüm™ H-Linear Microperforated Planks bring together acoustic functionality, wood-inspired warmth, and low-maintenance durability—aligning seamlessly with the needs of both users and operators.

Understanding the Project Vision

Creating a safe and comfortable space for the elderly involves special attention to material choice, acoustic clarity, and environmental quality.

A Focus on Community Wellness

The Senior Care Centre is more than a facility—it’s a hub of daily engagement. To make the space inviting and calm, the design included acoustic treatment and natural tones throughout the interiors. Ceilings were especially important in achieving this atmosphere, contributing to both sound control and visual comfort.

Choosing Alüm™ Microperforated Planks

Alüm™ H-Linear Microperforated Plank systems were selected for their ability to absorb sound while maintaining a clean, linear ceiling appearance. The microperforations improve room acoustics, particularly in communal areas where seniors gather for activities, meals, and therapy. Finished with a wood veneer, the planks add warmth without requiring the maintenance of real timber.

Long-Term Performance in Everyday Use

Durability was a key consideration for DP Architects and the consultants at ARUP. The Alüm™ ceiling panels are resistant to corrosion, easy to clean, and support air quality through the use of low VOC materials. These qualities ensure the space remains safe and welcoming over time, even with high daily usage.

Designing with Dignity: Prioritising Comfort for Ageing Communities

At the heart of the Bukit Canberra Senior Care Centre project was the goal of designing with dignity. This meant going beyond code compliance or functional design, and focusing instead on creating an atmosphere that promotes calmness, clarity, and comfort for older users. Materials had to be thoughtfully selected not just for durability, but also for their ability to foster a homelike environment where seniors feel safe and at ease.

Alüm™ H-Linear Microperforated Planks contributed significantly to this objective by softening sound levels, reflecting warm wood tones, and ensuring consistent air quality through the use of low VOC materials. Their clean lines support visual order, while their acoustic performance helps reduce auditory fatigue—an important feature for older adults. In spaces like these, every design decision impacts daily comfort, and the ceiling system became a foundational element in achieving a well-balanced and thoughtful care environment.

Performance and Practicality in a Healthcare Setting

Beyond looks, the ceiling system had to meet technical standards, ensuring safety, longevity, and functionality in a high-use care environment.

Acoustic Panels for Wellness

Communal areas in senior facilities need good acoustics to support clear communication. Alüm™’s microperforated aluminium ceiling panel system, backed with acoustic insulation, reduces echo and noise—creating a quieter, more peaceful space for both staff and residents.

Fire Safety Requirements

Is aluminium fire resistant? Yes, and this was a critical factor in selecting Alüm™ products. Combined with proper insulation and compliant installation, the ceiling system meets fire code requirements—providing both safety and peace of mind for care providers and families alike.

How Aluminium Panels Improve Hygiene and Air Quality in Care Settings

In healthcare and eldercare environments, building materials must prioritize hygiene, durability, and occupant health. Aluminium panels such as Alüm™ offer a safe, long-lasting solution that supports easy cleaning and improves indoor air quality.

  • Moisture Resistance: Alüm™ panels are unaffected by cleaning agents and humidity, reducing risk of material degradation.

  • Hygienic Surface: Smooth aluminium finishes help prevent bacterial buildup and are easy to sanitize.

  • Low VOC Emissions: Panels are manufactured with low-emission materials, promoting healthier indoor air for sensitive occupants.

  • Reduced Maintenance Downtime: Durable construction limits the need for frequent replacements, minimizing disruption in healthcare settings.

A Comfortable Ceiling System Built to Last

The design of Bukit Canberra’s Senior Care Centre highlights the importance of creating environments that are not only functional, but comforting and supportive. Through the use of Alüm™ H-Linear Microperforated Planks, the ceiling system offers durability, acoustic comfort, fire resistance, and sustainable performance—all key features for facilities serving ageing populations.

In collaboration with DP Architects, ARUP, Rich Construction, and acoustic specialists Aural-Aid, Alüm™ played a pivotal role in shaping the look and performance of the interior ceiling systems. The selection of microperforated panels not only addressed acoustic and maintenance needs but also contributed to the calm, wood-toned interior palette envisioned by the design team. As Singapore continues to evolve its infrastructure for senior living, projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful material choices can make all the difference.

References

  1. Green Building Council. (2022). Low VOC Materials in Healthcare Spaces.
  2.  Aluminium Association. (2023). Durability and Fire Performance of Aluminium Building Materials. 
  3. WHO. (2021). Indoor Environmental Quality and Elder Health. 
  4. Architecture & Design. (2022). Acoustic Considerations for Communal Healthcare Spaces. 
  5. Aural-Aid. (2023). Acoustic Integration in Senior Care Facilities. 

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