MFS Diversified Group's first foray into building an aged care facility has seen the publicly-listed development and investment company take out a Queensland Master Builder's Award. The Group's Villa World brand won the Health Facilities over $10 million category for its Raynbird Place aged care facility at Carseldine in Brisbane's northern suburbs. When the Domain (formerly Guardian) Aged Care Group had Villa World undertake the construction of a new facility at Carseldine they knew Villa World was stepping outside the square in terms of construction experience with aged care facilities. However, applying the same expertise to the planning and delivery of a vast number of residential projects over the past twenty years the building team together with the Domain aged care operators worked closely over the entire construction phase of Raynbird Place to deliver an award winning project. Mr Brent Hailey CEO of MFS Diversified Group which merged with Villa World late last year said the recent Master Builders' Award for the construction of Health Facilities over $10 Million to Villa World was very pleasing considering it was a first for our team. "A lot of planning was spent on the detail and as a result the level of finishes achieved is high. Also working as a team with the Domain Aged Care Group operators unabled documentation to be updated progressively through the construction phase. "When changes were made on the run due to operational concerns these were well managed and despite the impact on the construction program the project was delivered on time and within budget. "The project is a designated low and high care facility developed around three, thirty bed pods each with 2 dining rooms, nurse station, sitting rooms, a resident's kitchenette and a small library and public computer access. Each spacious resident's room has an ensuite, extensive storage, air conditioning, ceiling fans and heaters, full computer access, phone, TV & Austar/Foxtel connection and 24 hour call buttons for the bed and ensuite. "When the project opened on 25 September 2006 we knew we were on a winner because residents and their families immediately fell in love with the facility, with a full house on opening day. "Working with Bill Summers, executive director of the Domain Aged Care Group and the driving force behind the concept of building Raynbird Place incorporating the Eden Alternative philosophy of aged care, was very inspirational for our planning and construction team," said Mr Hailey. Bill Summers said the Eden philosophy aims at assisting and encouraging each resident to engage in their choice of lifestyle activities that reflect their current interests as well as promoting nurturing connections with other residents, children and companion animals and includes activities such as gardening, craft and exercise groups. "At Raynbird Place our staff are achieving the goals of this philosophy for our residents, in award winning surroundings, in a home away from home atmosphere," said Mr Summers. The submission to the Master Builders 2007 Housing & Construction Awards included reference to Raynbird Place's landscaping where attention to creating a feeling of space and establishment was apparent. No turf was used as the aged care community consider turf to be a safety and maintenance issue. Roof water is captured in rainwater tanks with a 171,000 litre capacity and used for garden irrigation. This decision for incorporating water conservation was made well before mandatory requirements and is a good example of forward planning. Raynbird Place includes extensive tropical landscaping, contemporary architecture, furniture and fittings with a private dining room for residents' families, a beauty salon, special rooms for visiting doctors and other professionals, a coffee shop for locals as well as residents, a convenience store, pavilion barbeque areas, a children's playground with quiet areas in the gardens