Larchwood is the third extra care
project to be completed under the
Department of Health's scheme to
provide funding for accommodation
for older people. This new building
provides thirty-eight self contained
flats, together with communal
spaces which facilitate socialising
and allow care to be delivered to
people in response to their needs.
The integration of community facilities
which can be accessed by the general
public directly from the street is an
unusual innovation. On the lower ground
floor, there is a collection of amenities
including a kitchen, a dining room, a
health and beauty suite, a coffee bar,
a cinema and a hairdresser. This will
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enhance the previously poor provision
of such facilities for local older people.
All flats are planned to allow easy
wheelchair use.
Natural light is introduced into the
central corridors through light wells
from above. Windows to the flats
both have low sills to allow easy
looking out and are tall to allow
light to be thrown deep into the flat.
To maximise their use and popularity,
communal sitting areas are designed
to be close to the front entrance and
overlooking local activity
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