This £8.4m project in Flintshire, North Wales, extended a council operated care home, doubled the number of beds, increased outdoor communal spaces, whilst also improving accessibility for the residents. Improvements were also made to the existing building with a large refurbished kitchen installed, a hair salon expanded, car parking broadened, and a day services centre enhanced.
The project created a fresh look for Marleyfield House with extensive landscaping works and new outside areas improving resident wellbeing. Indeed, the way that the new buildings blend with the existing, whilst integrating seamlessly into the landscaped surroundings, is the hallmark of this impressive project.
Architects Lovelock Mitchell, who won the tender after a design competition, explored several design concepts all of which aimed to utilise the existing topography. The final scheme provides a personal outdoor space for each resident, either via a balcony with glass balustrade or a patio area. This maximises unobstructed views of the attractive surrounding fields.
The bricks chosen for the design were predominantly Ibstock’s New Ivanhoe Creams with Staffs Slate Blue Smooth providing variety around French doors. The creams - a thrown soft mud stock brick with a light texture - provide a homely tone and texture with their natural variations in colour providing sufficient visual interest and a pleasing aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Staffs Blues create a modern contrast that reflects the modernity of the improved facility itself.
The landscaping was central to the overall design and emphasises the rural context. The concept was to ‘bring the landscape to the residents’ by introducing vibrant and accessible spaces around the building where people can enjoy sensory gardens and countryside views. The terrace garden makes a physical connection to the new build while native hedgerows and newly planted shrubs and trees provide a tranquil and relaxing rural backdrop.
In summary, this inspirational and innovative design is making a positive difference to the lives of residents and making an excellent contribution to the local community. The emphasis on outdoor spaces is especially beneficial to residents living with memory loss and dementia. Meanwhile, the operational functionality of the building has improved and some of the pressure on the local care sector has been relieved.
