Care

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Care Sector Case Study: The Larches, Macclesfield Client: CLS Care Services with Dane Housing Group Cost: £5.5m

Objectives The site was an existing 1960s care home and the objective was to maximise the development on a relatively small site.The requirement was for care rooms with extracare apartments and ultimate future flexibility.We were asked to incorporate the latest international thinking on good design for older people with dementia. The client was also keen to provide an attractive working environment for staff as the industry has a notoriously high staff turnover. Our View We felt the scheme needed to be cognisant of its position on a residential site opposite some detached houses.The building cleverly portrays itself on the street as a number of separate smaller buildings. Advantage has been taken of the sloping site by the provision of underground parking in order to keep the main entrance attractively landscaped rather than a sea of tarmac and cars. A bistro area is situated just off the main entrance which provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The residents’ rooms have all been designed to be varying shapes and sizes to provide individuality which does not depend solely on decoration. They also have access to outdoor space, either through protected balconies or garden areas. The Results This scheme has opened new doors into the design of dementia care.