New Project: Meadowbrook Care Home, Bishops Stortford
By: KWL Architects
KWL Architects, an acclaimed and award-winning architectural practice, specialise in delivering innovative design solutions specifically for the care sector.
Their latest project, an 80-bedroom care home situated south of Bishops Stortford town centre, is designed to deliver specialist residential, dementia, and respite care within a contemporary and dynamic care environment.
As part of a wider masterplan, the exterior of the care home has been designed to ensure continuity with the surrounding developments whilst creating a distinctive landmark that highlights the buildings prominent position within the site.
The design emphasises two key focal points with fully glazed terraces located at both the South-Eastern and North-Eastern corners, which take advantage of the expansive views offered by the site’s natural elevation. Generous communal spaces have been strategically placed at these corners to establish a strong active frontage and to create animated “node points,” providing an engaging and dynamic environment for all residents.
The buff brick has a soft, creased appearance which contrasts with the sharp vertical lines of the zinc-coloured aluminium standing seam cladding. Panels of decorative herringbone brickwork become a feature between window elements to provide a subtle architectural detailing and relief.
The proposal responds to the height characteristics of the adjacent residential and commercial areas, incorporating projecting aluminium-clad bays to transition from 3 to 2 ½ storeys. Box-framed bay windows with lowered eaves on the second floor create a hierarchy of building heights, emphasising the prominent corner facing the roundabout.
The wrap-around curved façade welcomes visitors towards the entrance foyer connecting to a reception, bistro and coffee bar, hair and beauty salon, and cinema. Additionally, a dedicated children’s play area featuring gaming consoles and a Lego wall allows parents the opportunity to visit their relatives without interruption. This thoughtfully designed ‘communal hub’ fosters interaction between residents and visitors.
Communal lounges, dining, and activity rooms on each floor provides convenient access for residents to socialise and relax. Furthermore, a Covid-19-inspired garden room offers flexible, independent meeting spaces for residents and visitors. The interiors are modern, spacious, and designed with clear wayfinding to support residents with dementia.
Accessible outdoor connections enhance the well-being of every resident, with private patios for ground-floor bedrooms, garden views for upper floors, and terraces for communal areas. The proposal features new trees, high-quality planting, wildlife habitat enhancements, and hard landscaping, creating secure and well-designed garden spaces for residents.
KWL Architects have delivered a carefully considered, high-quality care home, prioritising every detail to enhance residents’ quality of life.
