EXTRA CARE FACILITY


carbon and high resilience to the harsh environment that encounters high UV levels and strong winds and rain. An offsite premanufactured timber


trussed roof was incorporated to provide the built forms of duo pitched roofs that emulate the local vernacular, whilst also being engineered in units for ease of containerised shipping and erection on site, with minimal material wastage. The timber cladding/coloured rooftops mirror the surrounding area with consultation feedback stating that the building form and colours “feel just like Stanley”. The site presented notable technical challenges. Located on a steep coastal hillside with soft blue clay, traditional piling methods were unfeasible due to a 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


Glulam portal frames used for the entrance.


environment, the Falkland Islands has some beautifully sunny days that can be enjoyed. The building’s biophilic strategy not


only improves visual 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:


Internal views of Tussac House. IFHE DIGEST 2026 27


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