Acting on behalf of a well-established domiciliary care and support provider in the North West, the specialist healthcare team at CADS was set the challenge of designing a new dual-purpose head office and day care facility; enabling the business to continue to grow effectively over the coming years.

Our client had already identified a potential new base in the form of a derelict coach house on the outskirts of a new-build commercial estate and in order to raise the necessary funding for the project, our client required a detailed space investigation to consider the potential clerical capacity and care facilities that could be incorporated in the building.

The existing derelict coach house

From the outset we knew that a detailed site visit was essential in order to gain a clear understanding of the location and potential of the space on offer. During this time the team collected a range of survey data and the building was extensively photographed to establish a base set of existing plans, forming the basis for our initial block planning and feasibility study.

Using a cross section of experience, government guidelines and practical thinking the team quickly established that the best way forward was to allocate the first floor to clerical space and the ground floor to care, separating the two functions and allowing each to operate as effectively as possible.

After a number of iterations and in close liaison with the client, the ground floor was developed into a highly flexible space for day care that not only offered attendees the opportunity to relax in a range of safe environments, but it also offered the opportunity to small businesses to rent space for hairdressing, chiropody and other treatments; further supplementing income for our client and adding extra value for visitors.

Additionally, the team at CADS designed a secure courtyard garden that would further engage visitors by employing the latest research and guidelines for elderly care. This included creating seasonal interest with trees, shrubs and plants to offer a changing vista throughout the year and the use of aromatic plants that are close to path and seating areas to provide sensory stimulation for the visually impaired.

The clerical space on the first floor was accessed from the reception via a dramatic staircase to an open gallery; this really reinforces the professional nature of the business and offers a clear distinction between the different functions. Some of the key spatial requirements included the provision of a dedicated Director’s office with breakout space, an open plan administration office with room to grow into, a records office to comply with data regulations and a purpose built training room.

This particular project was rapidly turned around by the team, with a varied range of deliverables to support our client’s internal debate and stakeholders presentations. Our core document pack included loaded plans, elevations, individual equipment C-Sheets for each of the main rooms alongside a detailed proposal for the courtyard.

If you have a similar project in mind for a care home, day centre or any other health related space then please get in touch. Our skilled and professional team are on hand to answer your queries and help you to make the most of any building, establish potential costs and review the overall capacity and functionality of the space.

Proposed front elevation