EXTRA CARE FACILITY
Internal views of Tussac House.
lack of local equipment. Instead, our civil and structural engineers specified a shallow raft foundation, replacing unsuitable soils with engineered fill from a local quarry. Early collaboration with the quarry’s laboratory ensured compliance testing for materials used in fill, aggregates, masonry blocks, and gabion baskets.
Natural environment and biophilic design Nature played a central role in shaping the design approach in a sensory-rich setting. Residents with dementia, in particular, benefit from the warm textures and tactile qualities of the materials used. The building’s wings are arranged to maximise coastal views over Stanley Harbour and The Narrows, reinforcing a sense of place and calm. Each wing concludes with access to dementia-friendly landscaped gardens designed by our in-house landscape architects with a secure wandering loop so that the residents do not get confused or lost during relaxing walks. The inclusive designed external spaces help to reinforce the ethos of encouraging active independence and regular exercise, in the fresh air; while sometimes a harsh environment, the Falkland Islands has some beautifully sunny days that can be enjoyed. The building’s biophilic strategy not only improves visual
Glulam portal frames used for the entrance.
and physical comfort but supports social and mental wellbeing. Naturally finished timber cladding and glulam structures offer a familiar and natural material palette, enhancing the therapeutic environment. By prioritising
sensory experience, the design ensures the facility is not only functional, but deeply supportive of its residents’ holistic needs.
Environmental performance and sustainability Tussac House was designed with a fabric-first approach, ensuring high thermal performance and airtightness was achieved, which provides thermal comfort for elderly residents and helps reduce noise from the nearby port. The airtight timber frame and roof structure also support energy-efficient, controlled natural ventilation, helping to limit the spread of airborne infections. Triple-glazed, accessible windows and patio doors enhance U-values, eliminate thermal weak points and contribute to the acoustic strategy. Independently controlled underfloor heating offers full coverage, barefoot comfort and reduced energy use by efficiently warming a thermally optimised environment. The building integrates efficient, low-energy systems designed for minimal environmental impact, climate- adapted design, natural light and heat recovery ventilation strategies, to deliver a high-performing, sustainable facility with reduced long-term operational costs: n A fabric-first approach resulted in U-values below local and UK Building Regulation standards and an air permeability target of <3 m3
/(h·m2 e/m2 ) at 50 Pa.
n For structural elements, ONE set a target of 201 kgCO2
e/m2
Target. By the end of RIBA Stage 4, it achieved 196 kgCO2
and regulated energy use of 215.7 kWh/m2
– 60% of the 2030 LETI Residential , surpassing this goal.
n The building targeted an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate, an emissions rate of 47.8 kgCO2
/m2 /yr.
/yr
FSC-certified Accoya timber was selected for its low- carbon footprint and tested on-site for resilience against the Falklands’ climate (for a number of years prior to construction). Where feasible, local materials and labour were used, minimising emissions and strengthening the local economy. Gabion baskets originally intended for retaining walls were repurposed following discovery of stable rock faces, further reducing embodied carbon.
Collaboration and delivery Logistical constraints from the islands’ remote location required meticulous planning and agile project management. Close collaboration between our multidisciplinary design team, the client, healthcare and therapy leads, FIG Project Managers, and the local delivery team was key. Using a BIM (Building Information
36 Health Estate Journal February 2026
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