42 PROJECT REPORT: RETIREMENT LIVING & CARE HOMES
“It encouraged everyone involved to embrace what might have been considered to be ‘not the norm’ for this type of housing” Mark Walker
this typology: “It encouraged everyone involved to embrace what might have been considered to be ‘not the norm’ for this type of housing,” says Walker. He cites as an example, “the visual connection from the interior via glazing to what, on plan, might appear to be small gardens mean that the spaces can be enjoyed from all four levels of the building.”
PROJECT FACTFILE
Architect: PRP Client: London Borough of Lewisham Area: 0.5 Ha Cost: £12.6m Developer: One Housing Group No. of apartments for rent: 35 No. of apartments for shared ownership: 18
The interiors at Linden Court “surpass London Plan requirements,” say the architects. Particular consideration was given to the experience of elderly residents potentially being inside their apartments over a 24-hour period. Overheating, views and access to natural light and ventilation all informed the design of the apartments, balconies and elevations. Heat and noise transfer from corridors and communal areas were also considered in terms of their locations and ventilation. When it comes to care, smart Tunstall doors and emergency call systems are included in each apartment, aiming to give residents peace of mind 24 hours a day. Flats have also been designed with the option to be fitted with living aids such as grab rails or shower seats, meaning the physical elements of the interiors can adapt with residents’ changing abilities. This way, those living at Linden Court can remain more self-sufficient for as long as possible; aiming to grant them with an important sense of agency.
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All areas of the building are fully accessible, allowing ease of use for those using buggies, wheelchairs or walking aids. A purpose- built buggy storage room just beyond the indoor communal area entrance allows residents to stow away their mobility vehicles. The scheme also features 15 parking spaces which run east to west through the centre of the site, in addition to a cycle block for bicycle storage at the western side of the site.
So that residents can navigate the building with more ease, the simple floor plan, along with clearly designed wayfinding, make the interiors well adapted to those with visual and cognitive impairments. Walker remarks: “It’s a place where people can ‘age in place’ knowing that the built environment will not limit their abilities, but will enhance and hopefully uplift their spirits.”
The result has turned heads within the housing community, with Linden Court being shortlisted for the Best Older People’s Housing Development at 2019’s Inside Housing Development Awards. For Walker, the building is “a true culmination of years of thought around how to incorporate the original HAPPI recommendations in a way which benefits those that live there, capital and revenue costs, and the ease of management and maintenance.” But, “above all,” the architect concludes, “Linden Court is a happy place to live.”
ADF APRIL/MAY 2020
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