Lodge Road blurring the boundaries for Later Living

Ryder works extensively within the later living sector, approaching each development with a passion to create positive and uplifting places for older residents to live. An important project in that portfolio is Lodge Road in central London, an example of the vertical village concept of later living that integrates a flexible, menu based approach to living and care needs.

The client, C&C, a charitable provider of accommodation and care for the elderly currently owns and operates a 1960s block containing 202 small bedsits. The accommodation is inflexible, the units are too small and no longer regarded as fit for purpose.

The design challenge is to create a similar number of larger apartments with significantly enhanced support and social provision, together with the addition of private accommodation for sale to substantially fund the development.

Situated adjacent to Regent’s Park and the world renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground the site, which occupies a full urban block, is in a premier London location.

Substantial consultation has taken place with residents and a representative group formed to serve as ongoing advisors to the project.

Co Design 

Co design was a core requirement with residents partaking in the design process, this has led to the development of flexible and adaptable internal arrangements which go beyond the current
‘lifetime homes’ requirement. The design allows the building to adapt with independent living clusters of 1 and 2 bedroom units converting into care accommodation if required. This will allow the building to evolve catering for changing demographics within the resident population.

C&C have historically provided a single model of care across their portfolio. This project will pilot a flexible, menu based approach. Some residents will be completely independent, others will benefit from a light touch support, others will require substantial care services.

The development forms clustered apartment layouts in linked blocks ranging from eleven to thirteen storeys. Accommodation steps up from the south to provide a network of tiered rest gardens for all residents to enjoy.

Apartments are a mix of one / two bedroom care and fully accessible units arranged around independent but linked clusters which will look to develop existing communities formed within the existing accommodation.

Although the scheme offers circa 160 apartments the scale will be reduced with the avoidance of double banked corridors. Residents will each live in a cluster serving a maximum of seven apartments.

Each home will have a visual connection to the central shared communal cluster space.  This will not only assist with surveillance but also offer opportunities for residents to see and hear their neighbours actively encouraging interaction.

Large south facing facades will ensure the apartments are well lit and naturally ventilated. Generous open sided balconies will look to maximise the views out towards Regents Park and Regents Canal whilst north facing facades will introduce winter gardens for year round use. Communal roof terraces with enclosed orangeries will allow residents space to organise events, use for various activities or relax in. These areas will be in addition to both the private balconies enjoyed by each apartment and the large ground floor communal gardens located outside of the ground floor communal facilities.

Client: Central and Cecil
Location: Westminster Area
Value: £60m
Awards: Shortlisted Inside Housing Development Awards

Paul Bell

Partner

International portfolio, Build to Rent, Education, Health and Later Living