THE PROPOSED EXTENSION, REFURBISHMENT AND EXTERNAL REMODELLING OF CASTLE COURT AND MANOR HOUSE, STATION ROAD, ANNFIELD PLAIN, CO. DURHAM INTO AN INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENT SCHEME FOR THE OVER 55s WITH ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPE WORKS. The brief was to refurbish 3 linked existing buildings converting them into an independent living apartment scheme for the over 55s with associated support and communal facilities. The accommodation was designed to create desirable modern living accommodation which will create a new identity for the building and a long term sustainable future for the building. The scheme seeks to improve the internal layout and fit out of both private apartment and communal areas in respect of amenity, access and lifestyle demands. The brief also requires the addition of 5 new build two bedroom bungalows within the grounds. These will provide additional and varied elderly persons accommodation within the scheme. The bungalows will provide additional income which supports the viability of the refurbishment programme but also creates a more sustainable accommodation mix for the project. The project created a gated retirement village at the heart of Annfield Plain. All residents will be provided with independent living accommodation either in the form of a self contained one or two bedroom apartment or a two bedroom bungalow. All residents will have access to and be encouraged to use the communal facilities within the buildings. These include communal lounge areas, a TV room, a small gym, a treatment room and extensive landscaped gardens. The centre piece of the design is a landscaped courtyard which has been designed to create a focal hub at the heart of the building. This will provide external amenity opportunities and activities for the residents and well an attractive visual break out space. The scheme will create contemporary living accommodation with a strong emphasis on creating a boutique hotel feel to the communal and circulation spaces. An important brief requirement is to establish a strong sense of place for the building but to also allow for establishing a sense of arrival at each individual apartment and bungalow entrance. The building will be home to 40- 60 people and having your own front door and identity within the building is an essential element of its success. The building holds an important position at the heart of the village and it was an opportunity to create landmark development with a strong identity and character. The client wanted to use the scheme to enhance the external appearance of the building and establish a new identity which suits it’s setting within the Annfield Plain Conservation Area but one which also provides a 21st century vision for the building. The existing building has some character but it is tired and has elements which need replacing due to a lack of maintenance. The main form of the building, window openings and facing materials will be retained but selective extensions, and over cladding with contemporary materials will provide a sympathetic uplift of the building’s appearance. By targeting key elements such as principle entrances, centre points and corners of the building the composition is enhanced efficiently and effectively with the interventions creating impact on the most visually important elements of the building. The scheme was partly funded by private funds but also secured a significant grant from the Homes and Community Agency. Th eproject met the HCA design criteria and followed good practice and design standards set out by the Housing Quality Indicators and Lifetime Homes standards. The new build bungalows were certified to meet Level 3 of the Code For Sustainable Homes. The scheme includes significant elevation re-modelling and small extensions as well as a significant landscape scheme to bring the full site ownership within a defined boundary and to make it available for resident’s use. The intention is to improve the appearance and kerb appeal of the property to establish a landmark contemporary building that sets the standard for this type of accommodation. The building will meet the principles of secure by design by creating a secure perimeter to the overall site. New fences and a gated access will secure the rear access and the principle entrances into the main building will operate on a video entrance system. During the day a warden will be on site to assist with visitor access and to deal with resident issues. The scheme is for social rented accommodation although Derwentside Homes are considering elements for private sale within the scheme to help to create funding towards the project. The completed scheme has secured a long waiting list and high demand for Derwentside Homes. It was recently awarded best North East Region Residential scheme at the RICS Renaissance awards