The project converted a 1960's bedsit shletered housing block into an independant living scheme for the over 55s on behalf of Derwentisde Homes. The scheme provided an innovative approach to housing design for the elderly providing contemporary apartments to a high fit out standard on a typical RSL budget level.The project demonstrates that a high quality sustainable scheme can be secured through a value driven approach. The scheme achieves a significant step change in previous aspirations and raises the bar in delivering the desired outcomes through an innovative approach to procurement. It combines a value for money approach with inspirational design by using the combined expertise of the team. We believe that this project sets a new standard for accommodation for the over 55s, by delivering: Challenging tenant aspirations defined and delivered with their full involvement throughout the process; Maximised value with all essential and desirable items delivered at no additional cost; High quality, contemporary, holistic design; Luxury apartments with boutique style community spaces; Defendable space and the feeling of safety; A visual and physical amenity space, complimenting the internal design and again delivering aspirational living; An innovative value driven approach to procurement; High demand for homes that previously had none; Clearly defined risk and risk ownership to those best able to manage it; Sustainability of investment through option appraisal focusing on the needs of tenants; The return of a building that had lost its identity back the iconic building it was intended to be A local landmark building where people aspire to live, where they feel safe and part of a community; Lifestyles now and in the future years; Optimised the outcomes for the benefit of the tenant; Sustainable but innovative specification; Collaboration and integration though procurement consortia; and Shared learning with other providers. Result = Building with no demand now has waiting list Enhanced quality, closer working relationships, exceptional value for money, tenants as the driver Making Places, delivering lifestyle The existing building suffered from a lack of character. It was a poorly designed 1960s building with significant aesthetic problems which had been further exasperated by recent vernacular interventions. The design concept identified a potential for sustainable refurbishment through reinvigorating the original modernist themes. By utilising the contemporary form in a positive way the building has been brought up to date in a cohesive and cost effective manner. The ambition was to create a building with a strong character and one which the residents would be proud to call home. The design was realised through a holistic approach. The client adopted the architect’s desire to carry the design themes right through the exterior, interior, landscaping, furnishing and fittings. Everything is co-ordinated and contributes to establishing the strong sense of place. Design Outputs • Recycling a building through innovative refurbishment to create an iconic contemporary building and fulfils the original modernist design intent. • Breaking the mould to create aspirational boutique style retirement accommodation fit for the 21st century • Creating flexible and sustainable accommodation which meets Lifetime Homes and Housing Corporation design standards. • Challenging tenant aspirations through contemporary design • The creation of a local landmark building which provides wider contextual benefits to the setting. • Delivering a sense of safety and security with defensible external space • Providing a scheme which incorporates facilities to generate a sense of community through shared interior and exterior amenity spaces. • The creation of 21 no.1 and 2 bed apartments generated from 32no. bedsits Results Ensuring a new life for an otherwise obsolete building to create desirable apartment accommodation for the elderly. A contemporary building which moves away from the archetypal image of elderly accommodation. A development which provides flexible, contemporary living whilst maintaining function and lifespan considerations. A holistic design solution which has created a landmark building with character and identity.