Architecture
PPE and strict adhesion to health and safety rules. Fortunately, advances in technology work in our favour and have allowed us to work collaboratively with Millennium Care for stakeholders’ engagement via video calls and a cloud-based server for easy sharing of files. Secondly, the site lies in a green belt area meaning development within the area can be deemed inappropriate unless it is for certain named purposes. The extension of an existing care home is not classed as an exception, so it requires justification in very special circumstances and proof that any other harm is clearly outweighed by other considerations. With the aim of preserving the existing trees on site, we developed a plan respectful of the root protection area, limiting the felling to just one tree necessary to create the main entrance.
Thirdly, the site presents a challenging
topography with varying level differences, which we have addressed through a cut and fill exercise including embankment remodelling. Fourthly, planning submission by a previous architect received several objections. Therefore, we engaged early with the planners to discuss the proposal and any supporting documents required with the planning submission. We have thoroughly addressed any concerns that arose during the pre-planning process. Finally, our design needed to comply with the Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy to protect and enhance the local character with the highest design standards. Our design team has taken into consideration the nearby existing care homes and the surrounding residential context, offering a contemporary interpretation of vernacular design. The proposed massing reflects the existing nearby building and the local domestic scale. Materials have been selected to respect the architecture of the
local context yet introducing an innovative take to express the building form.
Brydges: It was critical for us to synthesize the common traits of dementia-friendly and pandemic-proof design.
TCHE: What was your approach to the design?
Caruso: We carried out extensive consultations with clinicians at every level of the care framework for valuable lessons learnt from the pandemic. The aim of the proposed design is to create an environment where people can heal, perhaps from loneliness in their previous accommodation and even flourish with a supportive and empowering environment. For example, designing in a homely visitation lodge allows families and residents to stay connected, thus supporting emotional wellbeing.
Brydges: The design of the building needs to support zoning and cohorting as there is a link between large-scale and institutionally-designed care homes and Covid outbreaks and deaths.
TCHE:How does the design incorporate both dementia and pandemic-proof principles?
Brydges: Care home design in large, institutional settings has been identified as one of the major risk factors for spreading the virus. So, Langtree EMI care home will be organised in small, autonomous clusters of eight-bed households, all with individual kitchens and leisure facilities, meaning the residents will not feel the impact of isolation during lockdown. The natural setting of the site will enhance the wellbeing of those with dementia. Research has proven that clean air and environments with little to no pollution mitigate the build-up of protein plaques in the brain. Therefore, the proposed building fits in, respecting the presence of all existing trees, which will provide an ecosystem of filtering atmospheric pollutants.
Caruso: In terms of layout, the building has been designed over three floors to accommodate for progressive dementia care needs, supporting the residents’ safety, which is in fact, one of the basic human needs. Floor layouts are based on a ‘small group household’ model of care, which suits the homely-feel requirements of a dementia care setting. Equally, this is useful to control access and to group residents with Covid together, away from the rest. The variety of spaces designed will offer the residents a choice of privacy or social interaction while observing social distancing. Also, a pandemic-proof visitation pavilion ensures visits can continue now and in the future.
TCHE: Anything else?
Caruso: In addition, we proposed to manage the viral spread through the following
February 2022
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