Staff Areas

The care provided by staff is fundamental to the experiences of residents. Spatially enhancing work-flows aims to ease stress and create a comfortable and functional environment.

Providing staff space to refresh and recuperate conveys appreciation towards the efforts and compassion of carers. The separation of overnight accommodation and staff room helps form mind-space while on breaks.

Positioned adjacent to the entrance and communal areas, staff have a visible presence, aiding monitoring and security.

To minimise contamination, all utility areas have general and hand-wash sinks. Thickened walls and placement away from resident apartments insulates from noise.

Considered staff circulation routes minimises contamination, aiding the following of safe procedures and easing work-flows.

Internal and external access allows for deliveries and disposal of waste.

The threshold to the Residence courtyard reveals the historic structure, taken back to tactile hewn sandstone and wooden roof beams to form a semi-enclosed internal garden. Honesty in exposing the original construction states the symbolic acceptance of patina and a less fearful approach to aging.

Creating a graduation between indoor and outdoor, the ruin aids the transition between the private residence hallway and public space, bringing inhabitants into the rest of the Complex.

Referencing the buildings existing state of deconstruction, this intervention was inspired by the open fabric of roof beams that form geometric patterns depending upon perspective.

The former Chapel will provide a quiet Sanctuary within the Complex, where inhabitants can shelter and relax.

A place to sit and read a book, while watching the White Cart Water as it flows past. Providing space for private conversation over a cup of tea, perhaps between loved ones and carers. Here, those experiencing loss or anxiety can come to feel a sense of calm and reassurance.

The Sanctuary reading area and viewpoint are privately accessed by Caring Home inhabitants.

An externally accessible DDA toilet is available for the public, ensuring easy access for those out on walks, while retaining the privacy of the Sanctuary.

The geometric forms of the brass threshold and softly up-lit roof beams reference the rhythm of the buildings stepped gables.

Aligned with the arrowslit window, a narrow glazed channel is cut spanning the roof ridge, connecting those who look up to the sky above.

While access remains private, the Sanctuary may be used by the loved ones of former residents, to maintain relationships with those who knew or looked after their resident. Enabling the reassuring continuation of community support, and providing a familiar place to remember.

Sanctuary; Specifications;

- Custom threshold in Burnished Brass

- Custom shelving in Scottish Wood, Scottish birch-timber

- Muuto, Rest Sofa 2 Seater and custom Armchairs in Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

- Kartell, Geen-a Reading Lamp in custom

Burnished Brass finish

- Christopher Farr, Plaid Rug in Blue Wool, visually connecting to the tones of clear skies

- Curtain in Loaf, Egg Box

Clever Vintage Linen

Materiality/Finishes; - Lime plaster walls embrace the natural imperfections of the sandstone structure

- Aren Bianco Limestone tiles line the floor, with a fine lime mortar and grid layout

Providing contrast to the scale of existing openings within the building, the new glazed insertion connects inhabitants to the White Cart, as it flows directly below.

The viewpoint opens out towards the South West, infusing the space with warm sun. Its elevated orientation towards the stillness of the opposite river bank allows inhabitants to immerse in a sense of seclusion and enclosure.

Richly textured textiles and deep seating provide a soft and tactile experience. The warm atmospheric glow of brass against sculptural forms and geometric patterning creates an engaging, but not over-powering, environment.