Porritt Care Village, in Ramsbottom
Alessandro Caruso Architects and Interiors Ltd (ACA), a Beverely-based practice specialising in healthcare design, has achieved global recognition by winning their third World Design Award in 2024, for their innovative work on Porritt Care Village in Ramsbottom. This project, commissioned by Millennium Care, exemplifies ACA’s commitment to sustainable, people-centric architecture that enhances community well-being.
Project Overview
Porritt Care Village is a state-of-the-art, 52-bed care home designed to provide specialized dementia care and foster intergenerational community engagement. The four-storey facility, located adjacent to Millennium Care’s Lavender Hills Care Home, features:
- 48 ensuite bedrooms and 4 extra care residences.
- Communal spaces such as a sports bar, music room, hair salon, rooftop café and an intergenerational playground.
- A unique bird-watching observatory and a 12-bed male-only dementia unit, catering to specific resident needs.
Design Philosophy
ACA employed a holistic approach to design, emphasizing sustainability and community integration. The Y-shaped building layout optimises natural light and ventilation while blending seamlessly with the surrounding Green Belt landscape. Founder Alex Caruso highlighted the use of eco-friendly materials and the focus on creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life.
Key Features
Sustainability:
- Use of eco-conscious materials to reduce environmental impact.
- Integration of green technologies such as EV charging stations and energy-efficient systems.
Community-Centric Design:
- Facilities like the rooftop café and intergenerational playground encourage interaction between residents and the wider community.
- The bird-watching observatory offers therapeutic benefits for residents while connecting them with nature.
Specialised Dementia Care:
- The male-only dementia unit provides tailored care in a secure environment.
- Design elements incorporate dementia-friendly principles to ensure safety and comfort.
Accessibility:
- Thoughtful planning includes 34 parking spaces, with provisions for disabled access and electric vehicles.
Recognition
The innovative design of Porritt Care Village earned ACA the prestigious 2024 World Design Award in the Healthcare category. This accolade underscores ACA’s expertise in creating spaces that blend functionality with architectural excellence36.
We are proud to feature and promote in our architecture magazine the innovative design of Porritt Care Village by ACA
