Retirement Home, Colchester

MULTI-UNIT RETIREMENT APARTMENTS IN HISTORIC GARRISON SETTING

We are working alongside award winning national retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone to provide multi-occupancy residences for the over 55 population. From initial site appraisal through to detailed design and site monitoring, Woods Hardwick is pleased to be able to provide architectural support one of the nation’s most prominent care providers.

Located in the wider Garrison Regeneration Area, close to the proposed new urban village, which ultimately aims to provide 2,600 homes, retail units, leisure and open spaces, the design proposals sought to emulate components of the language used by the historic Garrison buildings as well as the new replacement properties, which included predominant use of red brick and stone detailing. The design respects the traditional nature of the former barracks and its surroundings through its elegant detailing.

Following a careful assessment of the site context, the building footprint has been sited away from the boundary on Butt Road, providing more space between the proposed building and the existing housing opposite. An intricately detailed 2.5m high wall along Butt road was carefully designed to emulate a historic wall which had been previously left to ruin and removed.

Particular attention to detail was required to create landscaped areas that enhanced the plot design, ensuring residents make use of and look out on to high quality communal areas. The building configuration was integrated into the existing streetscape to ensure safe access into the site for staff, residents and visitors alike

The scale and massing of the proposal has been carefully considered throughout the design process to ensure the facility blends with the existing street façade and is appropriate when considered with the adjacent architecture.