Minster Close Sheltered Housing Accommodation
R G Carter were appointed as preferred bidder through a two stage tender route, to redevelop and replace the existing facility which was identified as no longer being fit for purpose. to provide a new state-of-the-art modern sheltered housing scheme in Hatfield for people over the age of 55.
The apartments are social rented accommodation managed by the council. The Council and R G Carter worked collaboratively through the second stage of the tender with Rock Townsend Architects and its design team to develop the design from RIBA stage 2 to ensure the design reflected elements considered essential in the development of older peoples housing devised by Housing the Aging Population Panel of Innovation (HAPPI).
The existing structure consisted of 29 self-contained flats and with the new development. As part of the scope of works we demolished the existing building to allow for an expanded provision of housing by 60%.
The new, purpose built accommodation now houses 91 high-quality sheltered apartments, thus providing the Council with additional, much-needed housing capacity. The new 8,550 sqm H-shaped concrete framed building, designed for the local area by Rock Townsend includes 2nr studios, 69nr one bedroom apartments and 20nr two bedroom apartments, as well as 6 ground floor properties adapted for wheelchair users. All apartments were fitted with contemporary bathrooms and kitchen and can be accessed by lift.
All apartments have level access wet rooms or low level shower trays to support with independent living. Each of the apartments also have a private balcony or terrace to provide easy access to outside space in leiu of a garden. Additionally, the building was designed to standards that will enhance the health and well-being of its residents, maximising living space and making the most out of the natural light.
The development also includes; a large, shared outdoor space, landscaped gardens, a roof terrace, library, hairdressers, arts and crafts room, a communal lounge and smaller break out areas throughout the building where people can sit and meet. At the centre of the building is a double height entrance, which lead to corridors which have been designed to encourage the opportunity to linger and chat with neighbours with a series of flexible communal spaces.
The new building is nestled amongst a mature woodland area with surrounded by neighbour residential properties in the cul-de-sac. The designed was developed to create two distinct, yet connected buildings with the communal spaces and facilities connecting the two primary residential buildings are a central feature. The apartments were generously designed to accommodate particular resident needs, their existing furniture, and consideration taken to accommodate for residents future needs, such as mobility adaption and configuration of space.
Another key feature included the maximisation of natural lighting and ventilation. Large windows were incorporated with a high specification glazing to limit solar gain during the summer months and a passive cooling and ventilation system was installed to remove the need for excessive mechanical solutions within each flat. Throughout the design development stage, it was fundamental that layout and circulation within the building was kept simple for ease of navigation and orientation to the residents.
