Whitstable House, Woodchurch House, Hawkinge House Hydrotherapy Pool

Key Design Ambitions

Whitstable House:
The proposed scheme locates two new buildings adjacently to the existing Medical Centre, the first of which, constructed as Phase 1 of this prestigious development, will be a new Integrated Community Health Centre. Whitstable House consists of 101 ensuites, communal areas and ancillary accommodation including assisted bathrooms, staff WCs, clinical waste rooms, kitchen, laundry, treatment rooms and drugs, nurse stations, cleaners’ rooms, sluices, and staff room.

The central area accommodates communal areas to suit each residents’ individual needs and associated ancillary spaces. The north south orientation of the buildings enables residents to benefit from the most attractive views across the Estuary, both from communal sitting areas and bedrooms.

The approved Integrated Community Healthcare Centre is a part three and part four storey building with a basement under the western wing. The building steps down from four storeys to the east to three storeys to the west taking advantage of the existing topography.

Woodchurch House:
In September 2016, planning permission was granted to the area to the south of the existing care home to accommodate an 11-suite standalone unit over one and a half storeys.

However, the demand for care suites has increased which has resulted in the recently consented 11 care suite scheme to increase to 22 suites. The revised scheme is now a building that is spread over two and a half storeys with dormer windows for the suites in the roof space., however, the appearance and aesthetics of the building matches those of the existing care home.

DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES TO MITIGATE / COMMUNICATE & MANAGE:

The communal areas are designed with the dining and lounge areas combined, and multiple windows allow light to penetrate from multiple angles for the best internal environment. The ground floor suites have patio doors leading to garden areas and suite windows are designed with windowsills at 750mm above floor level, which allows for good visibility from the bed and seating area.

Each suite is fitted with a lockable front door to provide privacy, and, wall and floor coverings, along with furnishing and electrical fittings are supplied with a colour contrast to assist the visually impaired. Independence is encouraged with the provision of an ensuite wet room in each suite. The wet room has a level access shower, toilet, vanity basin and grab rails. All resident bathrooms are designed and fitted out for use by frail or ambulant disabled people.

Whitstable House, Woodchurch House, Hawkinge House Hydrotherapy Pool

Project Team