Carpenders Care Home

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The site is situated in an Area of Natural Beauty, in a prominent location south of Watford and was formerly a working farm. The development was designed in such a way as to maintain as much privacy for both the residents of the proposal and existing local residents, whilst ensuring there was no greater impact on the openness of the site and its surrounding context than that made by the original buildings. The proposed layout of the building therefore corresponded to the existing site layout and topography. 

The main entrance to the building is directly visible upon approach and new planting and trees in this area create a homely and welcoming feel. 

Gardens are provided to all ground floor rooms with external access and to the first floor rooms to the north where there is a level difference. The gardens provide a tranquil natural environment, including features of interest and areas for the care home residents to enjoy external activities. Large glazed links were incorporated into the design to open up the site and allow views of the surrounding green belt land through the building from the main road whilst maintaining the operational function of the building as a whole. The glass links between sections also break up the mass to suggest 3 separate buildings instead of one large one.

The design of the scheme was developed in light of the need to produce a sensitive proposal which would add to the local character and vernacular of this beautiful area. The proposal utilises different materials in a high quality arrangement, including multibrick, zinc panels, timber boarding and frameless glazing.