Park Lodge House, Hounslow

The site was previously occupied by a care home which no longer met current standards for caring for older, frail people.  The care home had closed down and the site had been derelict for some time.

The land comprises of 0.35 hectare corner site in a predominantly residential location surrounded by interwar semi-detached and detached houses.  It is close to shops, medical and leisure facilities with more extensive amenities approximately one mile away in Hounslow town centre.  The site has good access to public transport with a bus stop on Sutton Lane and underground stations within a mile of the scheme.

The overall design is shaped by the requirement to retain an existing mature tree on Sutton Lane and to respect the existing building line on Sutton Lane and in the streets bordering the site.

The consented 35 unit scheme comprises 33 x 1-bedroom flats and 3 x 2-bedroom flats with accompanying communal areas including a large kitchen and lounge/dining area; informal seating areas on residential floors, staff offices and welfare facilities, assisted bathroom, laundry and guest room. 

The scheme is designed to accommodate the various sensory, cognitive and mobility impairments associated with ageing.  A legible layout separates the communal facilities from the more private residents’ areas.  Generous internal circulation spaces have windows providing views out, informal seating areas and colour coded doors, walls and furnishings to assist with way-finding. 

The flats are all designed to meet Lifetime Home Standards. All flats have an open plan kitchen/dining/living room (most with direct level access to a balcony or terrace) and level access shower rooms.

The large rear garden encourages resident activity and a variety of interest with planting selected to appeal to all the senses, and specifically meet the needs of those with mobility problems, partial sight or mild dementia.

Extra care is intended to offer people more choice, to promote independence and provide an affordable alternative to residential care by providing a higher level of support than can generally be provided within a traditional sheltered housing scheme.

All flats are fully accessible and adaptable over time, and use will be made of assistive technology to promote independence whilst ensuring a safe and secure environment.