Central to the design is a landscape-led approach that breaks the accommodation into three residential pavilions rather than a single large building. Arranged around a shared courtyard set on a landscaped podium, the development responds to the site's challenging topography while creating a more domestic and welcoming residential environment. The resulting composition reduces the perceived scale of the scheme, allows daylight and views deep into the development and creates a network of connected gardens and communal spaces at its heart. Acting as both a social focus and green setting for the community, the courtyard brings together residents of different ages and care needs, encouraging everyday interaction while strengthening connections to the wider landscape of Richmond Park.
The design was shaped through close collaboration with housing teams, occupational therapists and specialist care providers to ensure the development responds to both current and future care needs. Guided by Housing LIN principles for extra care housing, the arrangement of the three pavilions maximises opportunities for dual-aspect homes, natural daylight and cross ventilation, while inset balconies provide sheltered outdoor space and help manage solar gain. Carefully considered circulation, strong visual connections to shared spaces and generous communal facilities support independence while encouraging residents to remain active and engaged within the wider community.
Materiality plays an important role in reinforcing the welcoming and domestic character of the development. A carefully considered palette of warm brickwork, generous glazing and robust detailing creates architecture that feels residential rather than institutional, helping the scheme sit comfortably within both its park-side setting and conservation area context. Together with the landscape-led masterplan, natural ventilation, high levels of daylight and extensive planting, the design supports a more sustainable approach to living. The result is a contemporary extra care community where architecture, landscape and care are thoughtfully integrated to enhance quality of life and long-term wellbeing.
