PROJECT REPORT: RETIREMENT LIVING & CARE HOMES 25
galleries, connecting two stair cores, which provides the apartments with both copious natural light and cross ventilation. The galleries give residents good views of their surroundings, increasing their feeling of connectedness, which is further boosted by being able to hear what is going on outside. To avoid excessive disruption from the schoolchildren in the playing field next door however, the living spaces with their balconies face onto the street side. Cameron explains some of the benefits of the galleried access: “Rather than have an overheated, stale corridor, the galleries are open to the elements,” with glazed screens giving views to the adjacent school. She adds: “That connection to the community is really important for someone that probably once lived in the area.” The galleries become “balconies in themselves” in the evenings, capturing the sunset. Having open galleries, as well as giving the feeling of a street rather than a corridor, also allows the straightforwardly stacked, identical apartments, to have a ‘real front door.’ The abundance of fresh air as well as the ability too purge the dual aspect apartments via cross-ventilation also assists infection control, which is a key concern post-pandemic.
The private balconies to the east and south elevations are screened from the elements and other users, provide residents with the opportunity of outside space to enjoy. Most have sliding glazed screens, which close to provide winter gardens offering wide views of Camden. Existing silver birch trees have been retained, and form the focus of the new, largely paved residents’ garden to the south. Another aspect of connectedness that the design delivers – benefitting residents but also staff – are the kitchen windows to apartments which overlook the circulation galleries and the school playing field. Cameron explains that they allow residents to see their neighbours, but also allow staff to “discreetly monitor, for example when someone has their light on in the middle of the night.”
There are a range of communal spaces on the ground floor, including a dedicated residents’ lounge with its own garden and a small tea bar. Cameron says that during a visit by judges of a London housing award, a young resident with learning difficulties told the project team that he had newfound confidence to engage in group activities – partly thanks to the staff encouraging him to use the lounge. Close to this area are a cinema room, therapy room, hair salon,
ADF AUGUST 2022
and cafe, all of which can be used by the community. Although there’s a single front door, there are also gates to the street to allow the public in, such as for events, while ensuring security for all residents inside. An important aspect of choice is bestowed on users by the design, in terms of supporting their desire to interact with others, or not. They can remain in their own apartment and private terrace/winter- garden, or use the communal spaces and gardens for more social interaction.
Accessible accommodation The building was designed by PRP to enable older residents to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, and incorporates what the practice has learnt over many years of designing projects with a similar goal.
Discrete features allow space for aids, adaptations and barrier free design for wheelchairs, and all areas of the apartments and circulation are generously sized to allow walking aids and wheelchair access. Lifts are designed to allow access for mobility scooters. “We have done everything we can to ensure the whole building is barrier-free,” says Cameron.
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Each apartment has a generous private balcony which can be transformed into a wintergarden
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