Tolvean House

Advance Housing wished to convert & extend Tolvean House to provide 16 new Extra-Care apartments for those with physical and learning difficulties. The brief drew heavily on “HAPPI” Guidance ( Housing our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation. ) Particular attention was paid to way-finding & colour orientation for dementia sufferers.

Providing new circulation to disparate levels for those with limited mobility was a significant design & on-site challenge. The build involved major demolitions with careful design & phasing to introduce major new supporting steelwork without disrupting the external appearance. The finished conversion maintains the building’s integrity, including entrances & major spaces, while also carefully creating new apartments to suit the specific needs of the end user group.

The sympathetic extension provides exemplary layouts, with large windows to bring in the green surroundings while timber louvre screens provide privacy, sun-shading & safety. Finally it forms a new secluded communal courtyard, taking in the mature trees and afternoon sun.