Supported Living Apartments, Ipswich


Client: HB Villages
Services: Architecture, Principal Designer

Year: 2020
Status: Complete
Project Type: New Build
Project Value: £3 million

Recently, HB Villages appointed ACA to develop the design for new-build, specialised supported living apartments in Ipswich. The development comprises 22 supported living apartments to provide comfortable homes for vulnerable adults.

Supported Living Apartments

Recently, HB Villages appointed ACA to develop the design for new-built, supported living apartments in Ipswich.  The development comprises 22 supported living apartments to provide comfortable homes for vulnerable adults.  Furthermore, adults have a range of learning and physical disabilities, complex care, and mental health needs.

Moreover, the new-build, 3-storey development provides contemporary, one-bedroom, specialised supported living apartments; ancillary staff areas; a landscaped garden, and car parking.

The Brief

Primarily, the brief was to develop the design providing a suitable environment to meet the building users’ needs.   Therefore, ACA’s response supports independence in a safe, homely atmosphere, flooded with natural light.

Accessible Design

Firstly, ACA selected finishes to aid orientation and create a comfortable, acoustic environment with easy circulation for wheelchairs.

Secondly, the design focuses on accessibility for all disabilities. For example, wide doors; sufficient clear floor space for wheelchairs; lower worktops; knee space under kitchen sinks; level entrances, and accessible routes throughout the building.

Layout and Adaptability

Above all, our technical design contributes to the flexible use of the apartments in a variety of ways.  For instance, furniture can be rearranged and a flexible structure allows for new openings.

Sustainability

Importantly, the design achieves Building Regulations for safety, accessibility, and sustainability for current and future generations.

Furthermore, the whole building will benefit from low-energy light fittings with sensor controls to minimize energy use.

Landscape Design

Finally, communal gardens benefit from mature trees which our design will enhance with scented plants and accessories to accommodate wildlife.

“Working with Alex and the team at ACA has been a breath of fresh air. They really are a team who care about the schemes they are designing and are aware of the end user and how the schemes must react and respond to their needs. This is extremely important for us as we operate a highly specialised area helping individuals with all manners of needs. In addition to the diligence in design we are delighted by the commitment of the team, the coordination across all our consultants and the speed that information is produced. We cannot rate Alex and the team highly enough and we are very much looking forward to engaging again on our next project.”

Neil Mackrell – Head of contruction

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