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Once considered a nice-to-have, eco-conscious design is now the cornerstone of Australia’s most forward-thinking developments. In the growing world of over-50s lifestyle resorts, premier buyers understand that true value goes beyond luxury finishes, and it means more than just ticking green boxes. For Gold Coast-based architect Jared Poole, the shift is clear. “Sustainability has evolved from being a consideration to an expectation,” says the principal architect of Jared Poole Design. “It’s no longer a design feature, but an investment in long-term liveability and value.” This demand has greatly impacted the industry, he adds. “The best architecture now seeks balance: to enhance human experience while protecting and enriching the natural environment that sustains it.” This approach applies to larger-scale projects as well. One of Poole’s latest projects that champions the need for sustainability will soon be found at GemLife Moreton Bay in South East Queensland, an over-50s lifestyle resort that abuts the stunning Deception Bay Conservation Park.