Assisted Living & Care Home Developments

Assisted living and care home design prioritises inclusion, safety, dignity, and independence. Our key principles include:

• Fully accessible layouts that support reduced mobility and cognitive impairment
• Clear, legible circulation and wayfinding
• Domestic-scale environments rather than institutional layouts
• High levels of natural light, ventilation, and access to outdoor space
• Flexible layouts that adapt as residents’ care needs change

All designs align with Building Regulations, CQC standards, and inclusive design best practice.

Staff offices and administrative spaces are carefully positioned to support care delivery while maintaining residents’ privacy. These typically include care hubs, staff offices, medication rooms, secure storage, and staff welfare facilities. Layouts allow effective supervision of communal areas without creating an institutional atmosphere and are coordinated with the operational requirements of the care provider.

Costs vary depending on whether the project is a new build or conversion, the level of care provided, room sizes, and sustainability targets. Assisted living and care homes typically have higher construction costs than standard residential developments due to accessibility, fire safety, and service requirements. Early cost planning and coordination with quantity surveyors helps ensure quality is delivered efficiently and sustainably.

Quality and affordability are balanced through efficient layouts, durable materials, and energy-efficient building fabric and services. Designs aim to reduce long-term maintenance and operational costs while maintaining high standards of comfort, safety, and inclusion. Sustainable design choices also help future-proof developments against rising energy costs.

Natural light is maximised through window placement, building orientation, courtyards, and dual-aspect layouts where possible. Natural and mechanical ventilation strategies are combined to ensure comfort, reduce overheating, and improve indoor air quality throughout the building.

Electrical and plumbing systems are designed for 24-hour occupation and care environments. This includes emergency lighting, backup power where required, assistive technologies, nurse call systems, and compliant hot water systems with anti-scald protection. All services are designed to meet current Building Regulations, British Standards, and long-term reliability requirements.

Assisted living and care home developments may include individual bedrooms with en-suites, studio units, or self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments. The appropriate unit type depends on the care model, planning use class (C3, C3b, or C2), and the needs of the residents. Designs are tailored to the commissioning authority or care provider’s specification.

Fire safety is integral to all assisted living and care home designs. This includes compartmentation, protected escape routes, FD-rated fire doors, automatic fire detection systems, and progressive horizontal evacuation strategies. Where required, refuges and evacuation lifts are incorporated. All designs comply with Approved Document B and are coordinated with fire engineers and building control.

Communal areas are designed to support wellbeing, independence, and social interaction. These typically include lounges, dining areas, activity rooms, and flexible multi-use spaces. Layouts are designed to be welcoming, legible, and easily accessible, encouraging residents to participate in daily activities while providing quieter spaces for rest and privacy.

Heating and ventilation systems are designed to provide consistent comfort and good indoor air quality. This includes zoned heating, mechanical ventilation where required, and strategies to prevent overheating. Systems are selected to suit residents who may be more sensitive to temperature changes, while also supporting energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Financial incentives and funding opportunities vary depending on the local authority, commissioning arrangements, and sustainability or accessibility measures. We regularly work with councils and care providers and can advise early in the design process on features that may support funding, grants, or planning approval.

All assisted living and care home developments are designed to be DDA compliant, typically meeting Category 2 and Category 3 accessibility standards. Designs include step-free access, wheelchair-compliant bedrooms and bathrooms, appropriate circulation space, visual contrast, and support features such as handrails. Designs comply with Approved Document M and inclusive housing guidance.

Outdoor spaces are designed to be safe, accessible, and beneficial to residents’ wellbeing. Gardens, patios, and courtyards are typically level, secure, and directly accessible from communal areas. These spaces support relaxation, social activity, and daily routines.

All projects are designed in line with Secured by Design principles, often required by local authorities as part of the planning process. Measures include controlled access points, clear sightlines, appropriate lighting, and passive surveillance. These features improve safety for residents and staff while maintaining a welcoming, residential environment.

Medication rooms are designed to be secure, access-controlled, and located close to staff areas. They are planned in accordance with CQC guidance and care provider requirements, including appropriate storage conditions, refrigeration where required, and clear separation from resident spaces.

Sustainability is incorporated through energy-efficient building fabric, high-performance insulation and glazing, low-VOC materials, and efficient heating systems. Where appropriate, designs also incorporate sustainable drainage, biodiversity measures, and future-ready technologies aligned with local authority sustainability policies.