Barossa Village Delivers New Benchmark in Regional Housing and Ageing in Place
Barossa Village has officially unveiled its Buna/Kokoda housing project, converting a 2,400-square-metre site in Nuriootpa into a vibrant, community-integrated precinct designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the Barossa’s ageing population.
This project doesn’t just deliver five stunning homes. It provides a scalable and sustainable housing solution that addresses the increasing demand for right-sized living—revitalising underutilised land to its highest social, economic and environmental value.
“We took an unviable piece of land and turned it into something remarkable,” said Barossa Village CEO, Ben Hall. “This isn’t just about homes—it’s about a future where our community members can thrive independently, in spaces designed for them, in spaces designed for them in the region they love.”
Homes With Heart and Purpose
Each of the five homes has been individually designed with its own unique character and feel, blending seamlessly into the surrounding streetscape. These are not one-size-fits-all units—they are purpose-built, architecturally considered homes that reflect the identity of their occupants and the wider Barossa community.
Through expert consultation with environmental design specialist Elinor Walker (ESD Planning and Design), Barossa Village unlocked the potential of this landlocked site—demonstrating how independent living can be beautifully and intuitively integrated into existing neighbourhoods.
The homes include:
- Two bathrooms
- Spacious open-plan living
- Carports and landscaped gardens
- Well-appointed kitchens matched to bench height
- Ageing-in-place features like widened doorways, extended drawers (in place of low cupboards), flip-mixer taps, and raised toilets to reduce strain
These homes are more than accessible—they’re designed to grow with the individual, supporting changes in mobility and dexterity over time, without losing warmth, comfort, or style.
A Regional Solution to a National Challenge
The Buna/Kokoda project becomes a case study of how localised, thoughtful development can address broader issues:
- Innovative land use through urban infill
- Right-sized housing that supports independence
- A circular economy approach that reimagines land use for maximum value
This once-underutilised parcel—previously home to two older houses—now accommodates five custom-built homes, each one contributing to the neighbourhood in a meaningful way. This is right-sizing done right, at a time when our region and country face mounting pressure to rethink traditional housing solutions.
A Celebration of People and Place
At the recent community open day, over 70 attendees—including residents, family members, industry representatives, and local leaders—toured the homes, met the new residents, and celebrated the projects completion.
The feedback was clear: these homes don’t just meet a need—they raise the bar for how retirement living can and should look in the Barossa.
“Each home feels like it was built just for the person who lives there,” said one guest. “You can feel the pride and personality in every space—it’s retirement living that doesn’t feel like retirement living.”
What’s Next?
Barossa Village continues to lead the way in developing innovative, community-first housing models that prioritise independence, dignity, and sustainable growth.
The success of the Buna/Kokoda project demonstrates what’s possible when values like Courage and Creative Thinking are brought to life through built form.
- Here is where we started: Buna Kokoda Project Launch.
