Cryer&Coe architects

Portsmouth Adult Social Care commissioned a new purpose built care home to replace two existing outdated facilities in the north of the city. At its heart was a fundamental change in the basic approach to the care of older people. Instead of large scale, institutional buildings with centrally provided catering and recreational facilities, the emphasis is on personalised care. As such the following set out the client’s and design team’s ambition for the proposed development in line with current best practice for dementia care facilities.
 
The accommodation would be split down into clusters where residents live within a group of 12 creating a sense of large family living and subsequent sense of ease. Generous living and dining areas afford the opportunity for a range of activities to be hosted with larger  gatherings or meetings held in a large multi-use room.
 
Each resident will have a suite comprising of a bedroom, dressing and seating area with ensuite facilities which they will have the opportunity to personalise with their own possessions and furniture. Large windows allow plenty of natural light into the rooms, provide views to the landscape and also allow for natural ventilation. The use of colour within internal areas will help to create a safe, calming environment and also aid with orientation. The design of the corridors is such that long hotel like corridors are eliminated and instead views are broken up with destinations such as the living areas, helping reduce confusion.
 
Use of external space by residents is a key factor for their ongoing care and as such the design has been given due consideration and attention. All communal areas have direct access to landscaped gardens and residents would be encouraged to use these spaces whether assisted by staff or family / friends. With the residential setting adjacent to green play areas we are committed to ensuring the proposal blends with the surrounding context and makes every effort to soften the boundary lines.
 
Design development started mid 2013 and the project was tendered in August 2015. Matthew was Project Architect at Atkins from Stage 0 through to early Stage 5 discussions with the selected contractor.