Lakeside

about the project

 

Year: 2018

Client: Millenium Care

Location: Wigan

Program: RIBA Stage 1-4


This expansion introduced a purpose-built dementia care unit that enhanced the existing Nursing and Residential Care Home, providing an enriched and luxurious environment for residents with dementia.


Nestled among trees and nature, just moments away from the beautiful Worthington Lake in Wigan and surrounded by serene natural landscapes, the extension aligns with our client’s mission to ensure the comfort, dignity, and independence of individuals living with this condition.

 

Understanding the increasing demand for innovative care solutions, the Lakeside facility featured 32 dedicated bedrooms, each carefully designed with dementia-specific needs in mind while maintaining a warm, homelike atmosphere free from institutional constraints.


The layout adopts a cluster model, with minimal bedrooms accessed via short corridors that connect to a central communal hub. This hub includes kitchen and dining areas, as well as cosy lounges, encouraging social interaction and nurturing a sense of community among residents.


The open-plan design of the central space allows for passive observation by staff, while also assisting residents in navigating their surroundings.

 

The design of this scheme has garnered recognition, being featured in the University of Stirling’s DSDC book, "Architecture for Dementia: Stirling Gold 2008-2020," and shortlisted for Best in Architecture and Interior Design.


This recognition underscores our commitment to creating environments that specifically address the complex needs of individuals living with dementia, enhancing their quality of life and furthering a supportive community.