Keyton is pushing the innovation envelope with Australia’s first Passive House for retirement living at The Grove, Ngunnawal in Canberra.
This innovative pilot reflects Keyton’s commitment to creating homes that support the health and wellbeing of older Australians.
Built to the internationally recognised Passive House standard, the villa will deliver consistent indoor temperatures, superior air quality for a more comfortable and healthier living environment for seniors.
Keyton’s Head of Safety, Sustainability and Wellbeing, Kara Pisani, said the initiative is not only about delivering a high-performing home, but also about learning and evolving.
“Homes built to the Passive House standard provide significant health and wellbeing benefits to the occupants,” Pisani said.
“This pilot project gives us the opportunity to learn about the build process, monitor how the home performs, and partner with the resident to understand how living in it impacts their lives.
“These insights will help us improve comfort and liveability in future developments,” Pisani said.
Passive Houses maintain a stable ambient temperature of 18°C to 25 degrees yearround, which is ideal for older people according to the World Health Organisation. This helps safeguard against health risks associated with colder temperatures, such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues, immune system problems and joint pain.
Pisani added that Keyton wants residents to feel comfortable and stay healthy in their home and enjoy the financial benefits of decreased energy costs.
“Energy efficient building practices such as Passive Houses support the health of residents, while ensuring operating costs are staying low — all with the added benefit of reducing our carbon footprint and providing high-performing, quality housing for years into the future,” she said.
Keyton Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Cockerill, said Keyton is committed to exploring sustainable living solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents.
“The Passive House project is a testament to this commitment,” Cockerill said. “By adopting the Passive House standard, we are prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents.
“This initiative reflects our dedication to providing comfortable, healthy and environmentally responsible homes that stand the test of time.”
Moreover, Cockerill said the project adds to Keyton’s unique offering at The Grove, which provides residents with a deep sense of community and a lifestyle focused on safety, security, and wellbeing.
The Passive House villa is part of Keyton’s expansion of The Grove, which includes 45 brand new single-level two- and three-bedroom villas. The village will grow from 161 to 206 villas and include a co-located 124-bed aged care facility delivered by Arcare.
Keyton will also restore and repurpose original elements of the historical Gold Creek Homestead, converting it into a multi-purpose space with an arts and craft studio amongst its extensive grounds.
Background
The passive house is scheduled for completion in early 2026 along with the historical Homestead and remaining villas.
Keyton’s broader sustainability initiatives at The Grove include a 5-star Green Star Community Precinct, double glazing, heat pump hot water systems and solar panels to new villas — all designed to improve thermal comfort and reduce environmental impact.
About Keyton:
Keyton is a leading owner and operator of independent retirement living communities in Australia with more than 75 villages nationally and 17,000 residents across the country. Keyton has over 30 years' experience in the market and an ongoing commitment to creating communities and care for residents.
