concept journal

Jenny

The Brief

To design a home for the elderly that spatially provides care and autonomy, supporting wellbeing through life-affirming connections to nature and community.

Therapeutic activities, social opportunities and a sensory design approach should aid the interior in enhancing well-being. Providing residents with stability regardless of health and mobility issues, the proposal must convey compassion for this sensitive transition within the lives of the elderly and their loved ones.

“Soul, practicality and safety are in no way incompatible. Indeed, as disability restricts mobility, soul-nourishing surroundings are even more important”1

1. Author: Day, Christopher, Places of the Soul Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art (New York: Routledge, Third Edition, 2014)

Spatial Values

The increasing needs of an aging population intensifies the vitality of hopeful, health-giving care homes. Alleviating fears and institutional stereotypes, the environment must value and holistically support the identity, stories and human needs of the elderly.

To provide the basis for a fulfilling life, the project should embody the spatial values that aid the design in meeting inhabitants needs,

Concept spatial values;

- Compassion

- Autonomy

- Stability

- Protection/Exposure

- Energy/Calm

- Multi-Sensory experiences

Nature;

- Water

- Flora

- Fauna

- Air

- Sky

Time;

- Memory

- Transitions

- Seasons

- Weather

- Life/Death

Relationships;

- Old/Young

- Old/New

- Past/Present/Future

- Public/Private

- Indoor/Outdoor

Aims

Spatially provide compassion and care through an inhabitantcentric environment, supporting;

- Sensory stimulation

- Autonomy

- Human relationships

- Health and mobility issues of residents, and their choice to root into place

- Health-giving spaces and activities

- Connections between interior, exterior and surrounding nature

- Memory

De-institutionalise the care home;

- Challenging institutional stereotypes linguistically and spatially, alleviate fears of the typology

Sensitively interact with the historic site;

- Interventions must enhance the existing structures and human experience within the Complex

Considerations

Spatially providing compassion and care;

- Sensitively dealing with Complex and emotional topics (aging, leaving home, fears)

- Provide comfort in the transition in the lives of the elderly and their loved ones

Improving well-being through a sensory design approach;

- Consider how the rich sensory experience of the site can benefit inhabitants and be harnessed through the interior

- Consider times trace upon the Complex; how light, weather and seasons will impact inhabitants and the design

- Consider sensory impairments

De-institutionalise the interior and challenge societal associations;

- Consider the linguistic and spatial languages of the project

Health and mobility issues, security of residence;

- Ensure the design supports the needs of inhabitants with mobility and health issues, enable accessibility in every space

- Consider the roles of specialist care providers/ staff, and how care can be enhanced by the interior

- Meet the regulations of care homes

- Way-finding; consider aiding the orientation of inhabitants, and those with conditions such as dementia

- Consider the eye-level and reach of inhabitants with a range of abilities

Autonomous space;

- Enable residents to play an active role in their environment; allow adaptability and choice of spatial facets (furnishing private apartments, activities, layout, lighting etc.)

Health-giving spaces and activities;

- Consider spaces and activities that meet the project aims, their spatial allocation/proximities, services/equipment etc. required

Human relationships;

- Tackle loneliness through spatially encouraging human relationships; provide the option for loved ones to stay on a short-term or longer-term basis

- Create a sense of belonging and community

- Enable choice to socialise, and opportunities for shared activity

Connection to nature;

- Consider protection and exposure to the elements

Human memory;

- Consider how to respect, honour and reignite memory

- Provide space for contemplation and remembrance

Sensitive interaction with site;

- Consider how to approach the narrow proportions of the courtyard buildings

- Consider how to interact with the historic site, and the listing of buildings (A, B and Unlisted)

- Consider accessibility to site and amenities; transport and parking

- Define any public access to the site, delineate zones of privacy to ensure the security of residents

- Consider sustainability; materiality, construction and potential renewable power sources

Concept Tensions/Emotive Response

Motivated by experiences of my Papa's care home, the project aims to provide a better lived experience for the elderly.

Symbolising societal attitudes towards aging, the existing care home interior institutionalises residents through a sense of confinement from the outside world. Removal from social, mental and sensory stimulants is detrimental to the sense of self and well-being of those confined indoors, and experiencing anxieties of moving into unfamiliar surroundings.

Personal and societal emotive perceptions of the care home;

- Institutionalisation results in the elderly feeling resistance to the care environment, fears of becoming cut off from loved ones and the homes they have built over a lifetime

- Guilt felt by loved ones, the difficulty of visiting for a sustained time, and the monotony of residents routine

- Residents lack of independence and autonomy of time/activity

- Associations with the care home as an end to life

Spatial problems of the contemporary care home;

- Anonymity of the interior devalues the identity of residents and is suggestive of temporality

- Clinical, oppressive atmosphere

- Stale air

- Synthetic lighting, colour and material palettes

- Homogeneous corridors detract from feelings of home and spatial orientation

Understanding the spatial problems and anxieties related to the existing care home aids in applying solutions to deinstitutionalise the interior, providing hope and comfort for the Caring Home community.

FFE/Materiality Specifications

FFE and materiality have been specified with consideration given to;

Human interaction;

- Sensory properties (eg. Touch, Smell, Sound, Temperature)

- Function

- Practicality

- Durability

- Sustainability

- Innovative

- Referencing the sites history, stories, former functions, structures and natural surroundings

Key Suppliers;

- Solidwool, UK

- Christopher Farr, UK

- Abodo Wood, UK

- Shou-Sugi-Ban, UK

- Stone Cycling, Netherlands

- Ignorance is Bliss, Netherlands

- Muuto, Denmark

- Kvadrat, Denmark

- Flos, Italy

- Kartell, Italy

- Hasslacher, Austria

- Tylko, Poland

- Nunoko, Lithuania

- Resident, New Zealand

Product; Resident, Carousel Sofa

Product; Ignorance is Bliss, Ceramic Tile in FE20SM_1

Christopher Farr, Plaid Rug Resident, Pick-up Sticks Chair in Umber Stained Oak and Sorensen, Shade Raw Siena Leather

Specifications/ Residence

Above the communal dining table, the statement suspended leather light installation references the historic function of the room; the harnesses used in the former Clydesdale stables.

Flos Belt light in 18 Natural Leather.

Product name; Flos Belt Light Material name; 18 Natural Leather Supplier; Flos Architectural, Italy Designer; Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Dimensions; Light source L2m Notes; Can be sewn to custom lengths. Developed for safety and cleanliness in public and private spaces. Integrated direct and indirect lighting can be controlled via remote control.

Product; Flos, Belt light in 18 Natural Leather

Specifications/ Residence

Sofas and custom armchairs used in the communal extension were chosen for its comfortable feather cushions and solid frame, aiding elderly residents support themselves when sitting and standing.

Resident Carousel Sofas and custom Armchairs in Kvadrat Vidar 4 0146.

For continuity across the Complex, custom Armchairs also feature in the Community Cafe.

Product name; Carousel Sofa (code: CAR001Carousel Sofa Low Back)

Materials; Multi-density Foam, Timber and Steel frame, Feathers

Supplier; Resident, New Zealand Designer; Cameron Foggo

Dimensions; W220 x D81 x H60cm

Notes; Appropriate for hard contract use. Can be delivered flat pack to save emissions and aid assembly. Manufactured in sales territory (UK).

Product name; Carousel custom Armchair

Materials; Multi-density Foam, Timber and Steel frame, Feathers

Supplier; Resident, New Zealand Designer; Custom

Dimensions; W114 x D81 x H60cm

Upholstery Material name; Vidar 4 0146 Supplier; Kvadrat

Notes; 94% New Wool, 6% Nylon. 100,000 Martindale

Product; Resident, Carousel Sofa

Material; Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

Specifications/ Residence

Upholstered in a richly textured and durable fabric, the light profiles and deep seats of the provide comfort and an airy feel to Residence private apartments and the ground floor communal living room.

Muuto Outline Chair and Sofa 3 1/2 Seater in Kvadrat Vidar 4 0146.

Product name; Outline Chair

Materials; Steel and Timber Frame, Black Powder-coated Aluminium Legs, Foam/ Feather filling

Supplier; Muuto, Denmark

Designer; Anderssen & Voll

Dimensions; W88 x D86 x H71cm

Notes; 100% handmade, made to order, custom upholstery available. Available in smaller 'Studio' size.

Product name; Outline Sofa 3 1/2 Seater

Materials; Steel and Timber Frame, Black Powder-coated Aluminium Legs, Foam/ Feather filling

Supplier; Muuto, Denmark

Designer; Anderssen & Voll

Dimensions; W255 x D84 x H71cm

Upholstery Material name; Vidar 4 0146 Supplier; Kvadrat

Notes; 94% New Wool, 6% Nylon. 100,000 Martindale

Upholstery Material name; Vidar 4 0146 Supplier; Kvadrat

Material; Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

Product; Muuto, Outline Chair in Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

Product; Muuto, Outline Sofa 3 1/2 Seater in Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

Specifications/ Residence

Specified for its modular construction and flexibility in layout, the sculptural forms create a functional rest point in the Residence hallway.

Muuto In Situ Modular Sofa

4 Seater in Configuration 4 in Kvadrat Hallingdal 166.

Product name; In Situ Modular Sofa 4 Seater in Configuration 4

Materials; Steel and Timber Frame, Black Powder-coated Aluminium Legs, Foam/ Feather filling

Supplier; Muuto, Denmark

Designer; Anderssen & Voll

Dimensions; W378 x D169 x H70cm

Notes; 30 pre-designed configurations available, custom also available.

Upholstery Material name; Hallingdal 166 Supplier; Kvadrat

Notes; 70% New Wool, 30% Viscose. 100,000 Martindale

Material;

Product; Muuto, In Situ Modular Sofa 4 Seater in Configuration 4 in Kvadrat, Hallingdal 166

Kvadrat, Hallingdal 166

Specifications/ Residence

Balancing practicality and comfort, these chairs are proposed for use as dining and lounging chairs within communal areas and private apartments. Soft cushioning and solidly constructed armrests allow inhabitants to rest and steady themselves.

Resident Pick-up Sticks Chair in Umber Stained Oak and Sorensen, Shade Raw Siena Leather in the ground floor Communal dining area, referencing the leather harnesses that played a role in the rooms history. Natural Oak and Kvadrat, Hallingdal 65 0227 finishes through other communal areas and private apartments, giving a airy warm finish.

Product name; Pick-up Sticks Chair Materials; Multi-density Foam, Solid Oak Frame

Finish names; Natural Oak and Umber Stained Oak

Supplier; Resident, New Zealand Designer; Simon James

Dimensions; W76 x D73 x H76cm

Notes; Appropriate for hard contract use, ideal for residential or commercial use. FSC certified wood. Manufactured in sales territory (UK). Also available in Black Stain Oak finish.

Upholstery Material name; Hallingdal 103 Supplier; Kvadrat

Notes; 70% New Wool, 30% Viscose. 100,000 Martindale

Upholstery Material name; Shade Raw Siena Leather Supplier; Sorensen

Notes; 100% Full Protected Aniline Leather

Product; Resident, Pick-up Sticks

Chair

Product; Resident, Pick-up Sticks

Chair in Natural Oak and Kvadrat, Hallingdal 65 0227

in Umber Stained Oak and Sorensen, Shade Raw Siena Leather

Specifications/ Residence

The rich crimson tones add warmth and contrast to original wooden floorboards, featured in the guest bedrooms

Christopher Farr custom Basket

Weave Crimson Rug.

Product name; Basket Weave Crimson Rug

Material name; Jute

Supplier; Christopher Farr, UK Designer; Gregory Parkinson

Dimensions; W250 x L300 cm Notes; Handwoven flatweave.

Product; Christopher Farr, Basket Weave Crimson Rug

Specified in a range of sizes across resident and guest apartments

Tylko custom Burgundy sideboard.

Product name; Custom Burgundy sideboard

Supplier; Tylko, Poland

Designer; Gregory Parkinson

Notes; 18mm non-toxic particleboard

Product; Tylko, Burgundy sideboard

Specifications/ Residence

Paving the floor of the extension and ground floor communal area, these bricks were selected due to their visual warmth and tactile characterful texture, and their sustainability properties; being formed of at least 60% construction waste.

Stone Cycling WasteBasedBricks in Orange Punched, with a fine lime mortar, and stacked grid layout.

For continuity across the Complex, WasteBasedBricks in Almond Punched feature in the Community Garden.

Product name; WasteBasedBricks

Material/Finish name; Orange Punched Supplier; Stone Cycling, Netherlands

Dimensions; W29 x L5 x D2.3 cm Notes; Custom sizes available. European product standard NEN-EN 771-1 for masonry bricks. Requires no maintenance. 91 kg waste per m2 up-cycled, CO2 compensated.

Product; Stone Cycling, WasteBasedBrick in Orange Punched

Specifications/ Residence

Specified for its durable properties and its warm grain, the wood is used in Residence kitchens and custom joinery, including shelving and tables etc, and in the extensions Glulam structure. This renewable material is processed in Scotland, minimising transportation emissions.

For continuity across the Complex, Scottish Birch Timber features in a majority of the custom joinery, including the Sanctuary bookshelves and Community Cafe kitchen.

Scottish Wood Scottish Birch Timber.

Product name; Scottish Birch Timber Supplier; Scottish Wood, Scotland

Material; Scottish Wood, Scottish Birch Timber

Specifications/ Residence

Specified for its wide span and high strength, laminated birch aids in creating a slender frame for the courtyard extension. Reducing timber volume required keeps waste to a minimum, and retains maximum views across the space.

Hasslacher Glue Laminated Timber in Birch.

Product name; Glue Laminated Timber in Birch Supplier; Hasslacher, Austria

Notes; Cost-effective, recyclable. 200% higher mechanical properties than Spruce. European Technical Assessment ETA-19/0031.

For continuity across the Complex, Birch Timber is featured in most custom joinery.

Material; Hasslacker, Glue Laminated Timber in Birch

Specifications/ Sanctuary

Upholstered in a richly textured and durable fabric, the wide arms and deep seats of the proposed custom armchairs provide comfort to inhabitants.

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

For continuity across the Complex, Muuto Rest Sofas (2 seater) are proposed within the first floor Residence communal living room.

Product name; Rest custom Armchairs

Materials; Steel and Timber Frame, Laquered

Oak Legs, Foam/Feather filling

Supplier; Muuto, Denmark

Designer; Anderssen & Voll

Dimensions; W130 x D92 x H72cm

Notes; 100% handmade, made to order, custom upholstery available.

Product name; Rest 2 Seater Sofa

Materials; Steel and Timber Frame, Laquered

Oak Legs, Foam/Feather filling

Supplier; Muuto, Denmark

Designer; Anderssen & Voll

Dimensions; W200 x D92 x H72cm

Upholstery Material name; Vidar 4 0146 Supplier; Kvadrat

Notes; 94% New Wool, 6% Nylon. 100,000 Martindale

Upholstery Material name; Vidar 4 0146 Supplier; Kvadrat

Material; Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

Product; Muuto, Rest Sofa 2 Seater in Kvadrat, Vidar 4 0146

Specifications/ Sanctuary

With its simple sculptural forms, the specified burnished brass lamps will age well and provide a warm atmospheric glow for reading and relaxing.

Kartell Geen-a Reading Lamp in a custom Burnished Brass finish.

For continuity across the Complex, Geen-a Reading Lamps and Mini Geen-a Table Lamps are proposed within Residence apartments.

Product name; Geen-a Reading Lamp

Material/finish name; Burnished Brass

Supplier; Kartell, Italy

Designer; Ferruccio Laviani

Dimensions; D41 x H132 cm

Notes; Dimmable LED light source.

Product name; Mini Geen-a Table Lamp (direct power supply)

Material/finish name; Burnished brass

Supplier; Kartell, Italy

Designer; Ferruccio Laviani

Dimensions; D20 x H36.5 cm

Notes; Available in a dimmable battery version and direct power supply.

Product; Kartell, Geen-a Reading Lamp

Product; Kartell, Mini Geen-a Table Lamp

Close up material; Burnished Brass

Specifications/ Sanctuary

The geometric grid pattern of the Plaid rug references the angular stepped gables of the former Chapel. Its low/high pile provides soft contrasts in texture, soft blues connect to the river below and sky above.

Christopher Farr custom Plaid Rug in Blue.

Product name; Plaid Rug

Material name; Handspun Wool, Hand Knotted Weave, Blue

Supplier; Christopher Farr, UK Designer; Commune

Dimensions; W190 x L200 cm Notes; Can be produced to colour, material, size and weave specifications.

Product; Christopher Farr, Plaid Rug

Specifications/ Sanctuary

Contrasting the soft textiles within the Sanctuary, large limestone tiles line the floor, emphasising the angular forms and patterning used throughout.

On Site Aren Bianco Limestone, with a fine lime mortar and grid layout.

For continuity across the Complex, Aren Bianco Limestone (W70 x L70cm) also features in the Community Cafe.

Product name; Aren Bianco Limestone Supplier; On Site, Australia

Dimensions; W45 x L45 cm

Product; On Site, Aren Bianco Limestone

Specifications/ Water Therapy Spa

Used throughout the Water Therapy Spa for their innovative and sustainable properties, the specified glaze contains 20% iron waste, these warm toned pigments reference the autumnal amber colours of the White Cart Water. Experimental and handmade, these tiles contribute to reducing industrial waste.

Product name; Ceramic Tile in FE20SM_1

Finish name; Semi-matte

Supplier; Ignorance is Bliss, Netherlands

Designer; Agne Kucerenkaite

Dimensions; W7.5 x L15cm

Notes; Straight bullnose edge.

For continuity across the Complex, Ignorance is Bliss Tiles feature in kitchen and bathrooms.

Ignorance is Bliss Ceramic Tile in FE20SM_1.

Site Observation; the Weir in October

Product; Ignorance is Bliss, Ceramic Tile in FE20SM_1

Specifications/ Water Therapy Spa

Referencing the Spa's history as a former Sawmill, the smell of warm charred timber enhances the sensory experience of water. Fine Sawn finishes are applied to walls, ceilings and beams surrounding the pool, a heavily textured cladding is featured in the steam room.

Abodo Wood Vulcan Walnut Fine Sawn and Shou-Sugi-Ban Yūkari Umi.

Product name; Vulcan Walnut Fine Sawn Supplier; Abodo Wood, UK

Notes; Naturally durable and stable and thermally modified. This is a carbon negative material, wood comes from responsibly managed sources.

Product name; Yūkari Umi Supplier; Shou-Sugi-Ban, UK

Notes; FSC Certified and fully sustainable. Crafted in the UK.

Product; Abodo Wood, Vulcan Walnut Fine Sawn

Product; Shou-Sugi-Ban, Yūkari Umi

Specifications/ Water Therapy Spa

Ensuring comfortable working conditions for staff, the softly cushioned chair is adjustable to suit varying heights.

Resident Felix Swivel Chair (Black Base Casters) in Camira Synergy Affix.

For continuity across the Complex, Resident Felix Swivel Chairs feature in the Residence staff office.

Product name; Felix Swivel Chair (Black Base Casters)

Supplier; Resident, New Zealand

Materials; Multi-density Foam, Timber, Aluminium

Supplier; Resident, New Zealand

Designer; Simon James

Dimensions; W67.5 x D57 x H77cm

Notes; Appropriate for hard contract use, ideal for residential or commercial use. Manufactured in sales territory (UK).

Upholstery Material name; Synergy Affix Supplier; Camira

Notes; 95% Virgin Wool, 5% Polyamide. 100,000 Martindale

Product; Resident, Felix Swivel Chair (Black Base Casters), Camira, Synergy Affix

Specifications/ Community Cafe

Dining chairs in the Community Cafe strike the balance between practicality, hygiene and tactility. Soft forms and well-crafted construction ensure comfort and durability.

Custom Resident custom Pier Chairs formed of Solidwool

Welsh Mountain sustainable biocomposite.

For continuity across the Complex, Pier Chairs (in Solid Natural Oak) are proposed in Residence private apartments and staff room.

Product name; Pier Chair Supplier; Resident, New Zealand Designer; Leonard Kadid

Dimensions; W54 x D49 x H95cm Notes; Appropriate for hard contract use, ideal for domestic and commercial use. Stackable

Material name; Welsh Mountain Supplier; Solidwool, Devon

Notes; Solidwool is a composite bio-resin material that utilises locally sourced waste wool. Natural and sustainable, the visible fibres create a tactile and characterful finish.

Product; Resident, Pier Chair

Construction

Specifications/ Community Cafe

Specified for their innovative and sustainable properties, the specified glaze contains 1.5% mix metal waste. The handmade qualites and variations in the speckled finish add texture to the Community Cafe kitchen and toilet.

Ignorance is Bliss Ceramic Tile in MTP1S_1.

For continuity across the Complex, Ignorance is Bliss Tiles feature in kitchens, bathrooms and the Water Therapy Spa.

Product name; Ceramic Tile in MTP1S_1

Finish name; Satin

Supplier; Ignorance is Bliss, Netherlands

Designer; Agne Kucerenkaite

Dimensions; W7.5 x L15cm

Notes; Straight bullnose edge.

Product; Ignorance is Bliss, Ceramic Tile in MTP1S_1

Specifications/ Community Cafe

Pendant lamps selected for their sustainable and biodegradable properties, grown using an organic mushroom material, hemp straws and agro-industrial waste. Their frosted glass light sources provide a softer light, ideal for hanging at eye-level above the dining tables.

Product name; Kepure Pendant Lamp

Material/Finish name; Mycelium Biocomposite, Matte Glass Supplier; Nunoko, Lithuania

Dimensions; D72 x H30 cm

Notes; Circular properties, can be composted within 50 days, adding nutrients to the soil. Flame retardant. Carbon neutral.

Product name; Kepurele Pendant Lamp

Material/Finish name; Mycelium Biocomposite, Matte Glass Supplier; Nunoko, Lithuania

Dimensions; D48 x H26 cm

Nunoko Kepure and Kepurele Pendant Lamps, formed of mycelium biocomposite.

Close up material;

Product; Nunoko, Kepure Pendant Lamp

Product; Nunoko, Kepurele Pendant Lamp

Mycelium biocomposite

Specifications/ Community Cafe

The handwoven patterning and warm orange tones aid the creation of a tactile, inviting atmosphere.

Product name; Seaby Rug in Rust Red Supplier; Rugvista, Sweden

Dimensions; W430 x L500cm and W200 x 300cm Notes; Handwoven, pile is made of wool, the warp is cotton.

Rugvista Seaby Rug in Rust Red.

Product; Ignorance is Bliss, Ceramic Tile in MTP1S_1

Specifications/ Community Garden

Forming the paving, seating and raised bed of the Community Garden, these bricks were selected due to their visual warmth and tactile texture, and their sustainability properties; being formed of at least 60% construction waste.

Stone Cycling WasteBasedBricks in Almond Punched, with a fine lime mortar, and stacked grid layout.

For continuity across the Complex, WasteBasedBricks in Orange Punched feature in the Residence extension and ground floor communal area.

Product name; WasteBasedBricks

Material/Finish name; Almond Punched Supplier; Stone Cycling, Netherlands

Dimensions; W29 x L5 x D2.3 cm

Notes; Custom sizes available. European product standard NEN-EN 771-1 for masonry bricks. Requires no maintenance. 91 kg waste per m2 up-cycled, CO2 compensated.

Product; Stone Cycling, WasteBasedBrick in Almond Punched