After a lengthy process that consisted of pre-application meetings, meeting with the Design Enabling Panel and public consultations, the planning application for an 80 bed care home on the grounds of the former Hotel Felix was submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council. Approval was granted on appeal in June 2023.
The building has been designed with the resident at the very heart of the form and looks to provide an environment that offers a Dementia excellent care provision. The revised scheme comprises 80 en-suite resident rooms with a variety of communal spaces offering a bar and spa comprising a hairdresser, chiropodist and aromatherapist, plus the associated ancillary space required for the day-to-day operation of the home.
The building design has been based on a ‘doughnut’ shape to provide continuous internal circulation, ease of flow of staff and residents and provide a sense of calm. There are two wings of 20 bedrooms on each floor, further subdivided into 10-bedroom units, with intimate communal spaces for more private dining and lounging experiences.
The access point to the site will be retained as a two-direction entrance. The car parking provides 31 bays for the care home, including 2 disabled spaces. 22 cycle parking spaces will also be provided in a safe and secure store located close to the service entrance. The proposal has been nestled into the landscape enabling the building to find comfort in its setting. A variety of public and private garden areas are created to enable a sensory experience at every opportunity with a central courtyard feature. The facility will welcome both residential and dementia residents, with specialist team on site ensuring everyone’s individual needs are met and exceeded.
Client: KYN
Value: £218m
Scope of Services: RIBA Stages 0-3
Programme: Approved
Site Area: 1.39 Ha (3.43 acres)
Total m2: 4655m2
Accommodation: 80 ensuite resident bedrooms