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 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
Archadia Chartered Architects
Telephone: 020 8941 5161 
Fax: 020 8941 5050 e-mail archadia@archadia.co.uk
Archadia Chartered Architects architectural practice is located in Hampton, Middlesex in south-west London and also in Surbiton, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey.