Dash Architecture provided a Full Architectural Service and Lead a MDD to deliver a 20 additional En-suite bedrooms and a separate single storey new entrance extension to an existing care home located on a generous 0.68 Ha site within Stockport's Greenbelt. A case for ‘Very Special Circumstances’ within the Greenbelt was set out and helped secure the planning approval for an intelligent intervention and partial internal re-arrangement to the existing home. The new bedrooms are arranged around an open plan ‘Household’ model of communal living facilities, embracing the most recent research and key dementia design principals by the Dementia Services Development Centre and Stirling University’s published Dementia Design guidance. Fundamental to this care model is the sense of openness and navigation around the spaces. The design incorporates open plan living by removing traditional corridors that provide access to bedrooms. This is un-orthodox in terms of fire safety compliance, but highly beneficial in a social and behavioural context. By incorporating a water mist fire suppression system, a robust fire management strategy and the supporting Fire consultant appointment, an open plan layout can be achieved.