Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People has marked the next stage in the development of its biggest-ever building project, with the topping out of a new care and rehabilitation centre in Leatherhead, Surrey.
Designed by LOM Architecture and Design, and built by contractor, Buxton; the £15m facility will provide specialist care for people with complex disabilities and neuro rehabilitation for those with an acquired brain injury.
The first new-build project in the charity’s 85-year history, the 4,000sq m unit will provide 48 en-suite bedrooms for people with a wide range of neurological and physical disabilities.
It also includes a fully-accessible physiotherapy gym, therapy rooms, and recreation, dining and social spaces, all focused around a communal, landscaped quad.
LOM developed a site masterplan to bring multi-disciplinary residential care teams under one roof.
Through this process, a parcel of unused land was sold for residential development to help fund the new facility.
The new centre is a contemporary, environmentally-sensitive building designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability rating and featuring passive ventilation ‘chimneys’ alongside rooftop solar panels.
A palette incorporating brick, clay tile, and timber was carefully conceived to reflect local vernacular architecture and foster a non-institutional feel.
And therapy areas are separated from residential accommodation in order to create distinct ‘rest’ and ‘work’ environments and to facilitate outpatient access to therapy accommodation.
Assistive technology will also be installed in every bedroom to give residents control over their surroundings.
The development is located in Surrey and residents will benefit from a peaceful, woodland setting and close proximity to local towns.
Our design balances residents’ comfort and wellbeing with clinical requirements and is greatly influenced by the centre’s woodland surroundings
The building features large expanses of glazing to frame views of the landscape and to foster a connection with the natural environment.
It is configured around a landscaped quad and a more-private residents’ sensory garden which harmonises with the surrounding landscape.
LOM has also designed the interiors, which are influenced by biophilic principles and bring natural colours, textures, and materials into the building.
Richard Hutchinson, director of LOM, said: “The new centre will be an inspiring and tranquil place for residents and provides essential facilities to enable the charity to deliver exceptional care and neuro-rehabilitation services.
The building includes a physiotherapy gym
“Our design balances residents’ comfort and wellbeing with clinical requirements and is greatly influenced by the centre’s woodland surroundings.”
Karen Deacon, the charity’s chief executive, added: “The development is the most-exciting and pioneering change we have ever embarked on.
“LOM’s vision will help us to deliver integrated and high-quality services for people with disabilities so they can live life to the full.”
The project teams also includes Capital & Provincial, Pinnacle ESP, Conisbee, and Outer Space.
- Companies:
- Buxton Building Contractors Limited
- Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People
- LOM architecture and design
- Capital and Provincial
- Conisbee
