Water

At the meeting point of the White Cart Water, its weir, and lade, the Caring Home is permeated by the health-giving sensory properties of water.

Connecting inhabitants to these natural features, across a range of perspectives, as an energising facet of everyday routine, brings a sense of reassurance and life to the Complex.

Water focuses;

- Sensory properties of water to improve well-being

- Connecting people to the waterways

- Varying perspectives on the water

In the Water Therapy Spa, people follow the path of the lade as it flows below, transitioning from the reception to the changing area towards the pool and steam room.

The rising and lowering flow of the White Cart Water alters the visibility of the river bed and the power of the weirs cascade.

Such changes in water level relate to the graduation of depths within the Spa. Sinking the floor to below ground-level creates a visual connection from the pool towards the river. Swimmers face with the flow of water as it travels West. The slow decline of the ramp connects people to the adjacent descent of the river. The pool is deepest at the buildings lowest point. The river and lade meet underneath.

An elevated perspective on the river is created by the Sanctuary viewpoint, views down the river and across to the greenery of the opposite bank give inhabitants calm and protection.

Across the Complex, windows may be opened to allow the sounds of flowing water into the interior.

The Water Therapy Spa utilises heat as a means of healing. The warmth of the pool aids in muscle relaxation and relieving joint pain, weekly hydrotherapy classes encourage routine exercise and the building of strength and confidence. Aiming to improve the mobility of residents, such activity aids individuals personal independence, and shared group activity provides opportunities to build relationships.

Humidity of the steam room aids inhabitants mental health through inducing feelings of calm. Increased circulation reduces tension and stress.

Such health-giving activities potentially reduce needs for medicines and nursing.

Immersion in the warm water of the pool forms contrast with the cold river as it flows outside and underneath. Each resident is enabled to control the temperature of their private apartment to suit personal preferences for comfort.

Temperature focuses;

- Control of private apartments by the resident

- Health benefits of the warm pool

- Health benefits of the humid steam room