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PRP designs New Generation of Housing
06.10.2005
PRP, the UK’s largest firm of housing architects, is working on a new approach to sheltered housing to meet the changing needs of today’s older generation.
The Hedgerows, a new community of 32 flats in the Suffolk village of Haughley, will offer over-55s an information technology suite and a gym in addition to more traditional communal facilities such as a lounge, dining room and landscaped gardens.
The flats, of which 28 are two-bedroom and four are one-bedroom, will be available for purchase on a shared ownership basis. Nominations will be made by Mid Suffolk District Council. Purchasers will have the option to buy either 50 per cent of the market value of their flat, while renting the remaining half, or to buy 75 per cent and pay no additional rent on the remaining 25 per cent share.
The gym was included in the designs to help residents improve their fitness and quality of life and so sustain their independence for as long as possible. The IT suite will have internet access to enable residents to stay in touch with family and friends by email, shop online, research their family tree online or even download their favourite daily crossword.
PRP are the architects behind the £3.8 million development, which is being developed by Housing 21, with the support of Housing Corporation funding. Other partners include Jackson Construction, Mid Suffolk District Council and Suffolk County Council. Construction work has just started and is expected to be complete by autumn next year.
Marie Herbst of PRP Architects, says: “Our approach is to create housing which caters for the needs of residents as they grow older. The individual flats allow the residents to retain their privacy and independence. Features like an assisted bathroom have also been built in to support residents.
“Haughley is a very pretty little village in Suffolk. We have taken great care to design The Hedgerows in keeping with the local style. The flats are being built using traditional materials such as red brick and timber boarding which is typical of the architecture in and around Haughley. Each flat will have its own bay window looking out over attractive landscaped gardens.”
Housing 21, who are specialist housing providers for older people, is to manage the development. Its care and support team will deliver care services to each resident. Housing 21 chief executive Melinda Phillips said: “Our vision is to create homes for life, providing a range of flexible care and support services to enable older people to remain in their own homes as their needs change.”