Architecture


efficient design that reduces energy bills, while providing a constant supply of fresh filtered air and reducing the risk of high temperatures during heat waves. With approximately 76 per cent of care


homes built more than 20 years ago, many care homes are simply not set up to endure the unseasonally high temperatures we have experienced in recent years. Creating climate resilient and futureproofed spaces is essential to the long-term comfort and health of vulnerable residents. Considering emotional needs, particularly


for those with dementia, must be front and centre, too. At a 61-bed care home in Ipswich, we designed a U-shaped layout that encloses a sensory garden. The garden not only looks good from a design perspective, but it also helps to reduce agitation and encourages movement. Even for those unable to go outside, all day spaces in the home overlook the central garden, ensuring that people without mobility can maintain a connection with nature. By incorporating en suite rooms, quiet zones, and accessible terraces, residents have the autonomy to choose private spaces or to socialise in communal areas depending on their mood. An often overlooked issue in care delivery


is the lack of sleep experienced by residents. A report by Care England3 revealed that many older adults in care homes are getting fewer than five hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, with profound consequences for their health, safety, and quality of life. The findings showed a link between poor sleep with increased risks of falls, infections, malnutrition, cognitive decline, and early hospital admissions. Alongside a focused nighttime care


routine, design can play a critical role, by ensuring that the acoustic performance of a space minimises unnecessary disruptive


The future of care home design lies in designing smarter, sustainable spaces


form, the design will encapsule a landscaped courtyard, providing a nature focal point and natural setting to support emotional regulation for residents and staff. In addition, south facing integrated


terraces allow residents on the upper floors to experience and enjoy fresh air and sunlight, supporting elderly people’s wellbeing and their controlled intake of vitamin D. Crucially, the scheme will be spacious,


noises such as kitchen fans, radiators, or noise of other residents during rest periods. Similarly, adaptable lighting that supports the natural circadian rhythm throughout the day can promote improved sleep quality. While creating plans for an upcoming


70-bed care home in Letchworth, our team considered how best to access optimum levels of natural daylight and sunlight through internal spaces. Designed in an ‘L’


flexible, and adaptable. The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of care facilities to support infection control, without increasing isolation. Building flexibility in from the outset, staff will be better prepared should similar events occur in the future, and the home can also evolve with future models of care without feeling outdated. It is important that projects such as these


are not delivered in isolation. With local authorities under pressure to do more with less, collaborative partnerships between councils, designers, and delivery teams will be essential to achieve lasting impact. Early- stage engagement and open dialogue can unlock creativity, manage risk, and ensure that public investment goes further without compromising on quality. A successful design scheme for care


facilities should also consider the needs of care home staff. To ensure the best possible care is delivered to residents, staff must feel comfortable, with ample space for changing, socialising, and to take restorative breaks. Access to daylight, spacious layouts, and nature improves workflow and stress levels, helping to reduce staff turnover at a time where recruitment poses a significant challenge for care homes to overcome.


March 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 33


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