34 RETIREMENT LIVING PROJECT REPORT March 2025 May 2025
November 2025
interior designers have been involved from the earliest stages to ensure that these measures are integrated seamlessly into the living environment.”
The promotion of independence extends beyond the design and physical elements of the scheme, forming the core philosophy of Untold Living’s model. At Sundew Court, the communal spaces allow residents to enjoy life while accessing care if they need it. “They are actively encouraged to shape the culture and daily life of the community,” explains Orr. “We want them to feel it’s their home, and that their involvement and contribution is valued. The aim is to avoid passive occupancy and instead foster a sense of ownership, belonging and shared purpose.” The presence of the neighbouring Zephyr X care home is emphasised by the operators, allowing residents to feel safe in the knowledge that they can stay within the community should their care needs ever evolve. Though not yet fully completed, Sundew Court is currently “ahead of target in terms of prospect generation,” says Orr, adding that the local community has been engaging positively. “Overall the early reaction suggests strong interest and a positive reception to the scheme’s ethos and offer.”
A CRUCIAL ROLE
THE DESIGN “DELIBERATELY AVOIDS OVERTLY CLINICAL FEATURES,” ORR SAYS
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Designing good quality retirement living is undoubtedly important for the UK as a whole, but it also presents unique challenges to developers. The proportion of so-called ‘non-saleable’ space at a retirement living development is one of the most signifi cant differences when compared to a traditional residential development, Orr explains. At Sundew Court approximately 20% of the total
area is for social and operational use, substantially impacting the gross-to-net economic viability of the project. Aside from this, the key goal for Untold Living with their retirement living developments is to design a space that fosters community and social interaction in new ways or this proect these benefi ts are being trialled by events that have included musical performances and history talks ahead of the opening, to “give people a taste” of what retirement living can provide, Orr explains.
This philosophy is backed up by McPhillips’ Walker, who says the approach to retirement living versus a standard residential development is in the “emphasis on creating supporting communities rather than simply providing housing.” Walker also points out how the project is in the context of a wider challenge facing the UK on meeting demand: “The fundamental challenge facing retirement housing delivery is the scale of national demand versus current supply capacity,” he says. “Currently as a nation we are falling woefully short of the Government target of 50,000 units per year for seniors housing and demand is only going to go up.”
Orr echoes this sentiment, but emphasises that this bolsters the case for good development, which is able to provide healthcare benefi ts to users “Well designed schemes can reduce pressure on health and care services while signifi cantly improving uality of life for residents.” He adds that it is a key responsibility of providers to think about the wider benefi ts concerted effort to develop the quantity and quality of these options is not only good business, but socially necessary.”
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