How architecture can put independence at the heart of specialist care
At the heart of inclusive design is the recognition that while everyone’s needs are unique, the desire for independence is universal. Director, John Everitt, shares how this philosophy underpins every care project we deliver at coombes:everitt
As architects working with the specialist care sector, we’re privileged to design spaces that make a real difference to the lives of those who live, learn and work in them.
Having partnered with charities and families for nearly 15 years, we know the impact the built environment has on quality of life. The right environment can empower residents to live with independence and autonomy, while also supporting carers, families and providers to deliver safe, efficient and dignified care.
FUNCTIONALITY IS THE FOUNDATION; DESIGN IS THE ENABLER
Supporting independent, inclusive living in the specialist care sector isn’t just about delivering high quality functional design – it’s about taking a holistic approach that goes beyond and considers the emotional and social needs and aspirations of our clients.
The challenge is to strike the right balance: creating spaces that work operationally, respond to a range of complex needs and deliver a positive, uplifting and enabling environment. When these elements come together, spaces feel intuitive, supportive and empowering. That’s where thoughtful design makes the difference.
Our starting point with any care project is collaboration. By listening to stakeholders, we understand what’s essential for residents, their families, carers and therapists, and can ensure we balance practical need with aspiration.
HOME IS AT THE HEART OF OUR DESIGN
A comfortable homely environment is integral to creating nurturing, positive spaces that enable independent living. Our design choices reflect our ethos – that practical design should also be uplifting. We therefore avoid designs that feel clinical and focus on everything from fixtures and furnishings to layout. For example, we deliberately choose appropriate domestic fittings for kitchens and bathrooms. Innovative design features, such as concealed hoists and separate therapy rooms, are incorporated to ensure living areas are not dominated by specialist equipment. And, we incorporate comfortable living spaces and dedicated social hubs to give residents the choice to interact with their friends and family throughout the day. With each project, we consider opportunities to optimise and integrate aesthetic finishes, natural light and views.
THE IMPACT OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Small interventions can also have a big impact, for example:
- Window seats, positioned at the right height, can provide flexible additional seating and allow someone in a wheelchair to talk with friends at the same level.
- Height adjustable kitchen islands facilitate accessibility as well as creating spaces to socialise.
- Careful circulation planning for wheelchairs using pocket doors internally and level thresholds externally to create seamless access to outdoor spaces, encouraging time in nature and boosting wellbeing.
In one fully accessible home we designed for a private client, we incorporated many of these touches to ensure daily life felt sociable and dignified as well as practical.
Finishes are also carefully chosen because of their acoustic and sensory comfort. At National Star College, for example, while hard floors were chosen for their durability and accessibility credentials, we specified finishes that reduced reverberation to avoid overwhelming sound-sensitive residents and picked styles where the pattern wasn't too tight or contrasting to avoid triggering seizures.
Every detail matters.
ALL-INCLUSIVE DESIGN IS AT THE CORE OF WHAT WE DO
Everyone’s needs are bespoke, but comfortable living that balances practical needs with emotional and social aspirations should be at the centre of design.
Ultimately, architecture has a vital role to play: not just in ensuring facilities function, but in creating environments where individuals can live as independently as possible, while providers have safe, efficient and flexible spaces to deliver the best care.
We can help you design spaces that put independent living at the heart of specialist care.