Auriens, Chelsea
THE CALL OF COMMUNITY
A snapshot of success: schemes spotlight.
West Byfleet.
Retirement Villages Group’s new sustainable, integrated community-led development
Turning the traditional idea of later living on its head, this project will create a major, urban retirement community. The apartments offer flexibility, with options to either buy or rent, and are are surrounded by a variety of amenities. From easily accessible public spaces and landscaped outdoor areas that provide year-round safe socialising, to food, independent retail, wellbeing & therapy centre and library... the development aims to offer everything needed for a high-quality way of life. The design has also been driven by a focus on net zero, to ultimately create a very low-energy sustainable scheme that embraces the Future Homes standard and beyond.
Images above: PRP (architect & landscape architect)
Remuera Rise.
Winner, 2020 People’s Choice Award, Best Retirement Villages and Best Aged Care
The unique residential setting – within established landscaped surroundings of a picturesque park – brings a focus on wellbeing to this scheme. Key USPs are its easy access for friends and family to visit, close-by shops, and lack of need for a car. On site restaurants, bars, cafes, library, social and activity spaces, plus spa and hair salon, mean the scheme has managed to create a luxurious atmosphere that doesn’t require residents to ‘sacrifice’ anything when moving, but instead feel even more connected and in control of their daily lives, perhaps even more than ever.
Stanbridge Earls.
One of Audley Group’s award winning, highly sustainable luxury retirement villages
Audley Group’s purpose, simply stated, is to ensure property owners can live better for longer. It is committed to providing a holistic and integrated approach to physical and mental health wellbeing. Stanbridge Earls was designed with this purpose and these commitments central to the development process.
Set within the grounds of Grade 2 listed Stanbridge Manor and 32 acres of woodland, this design led 155 property village, is specifically tailored to the needs of older people, while still evoking a feeling of grandeur, elegance, modernity and comfort.
The centrepiece, historic building is home to luxurious facilities, including a bar, bistro & fine dining restaurant where owners and people of the local area can socialise, as well as the village having a health & wellbeing spa and pool.
In addition, Audley’s CQC rated Care Team provides 24/7 wellbeing support, as and when needed, ensuring owners remain safe and healthy at all times. All this ensures that Audley are helping people to stay well, independent, and enjoy the life they want to lead.
Images above: Audley Group
Waterton Green.
Gold, ‘Best Retirement Development’, WhatHouse? Awards 2020
Community focus was at the forefront of the vision for the scheme – and not just between residents themselves. The development’s design not only integrates with the wider community but has also provided much-needed facilities for local people. Its dementia-friendly community hub, which houses a library, is open to locals as well as residents. There is also space available for a pharmacy, a podiatrist, or beautician. The hub has also attracted visits from school children, some of whom have been inspired to consider a career in the housing industry. These visits also benefit residents, who love having the youngsters around.
Auriens, Chelsea.
Transforming perceptions of later living with community and wellness
Wellness in an integral part of the design at this scheme, which focused on creating stunning indoor environments that connect with outdoor space to encourage movement and socialising. The 56 one and two-bedroom interior-design-led apartments feel welcoming and warm. Health and wellbeing sits at its heart, thanks to a swimming pool, spa, therapy and treatment rooms, gym, cinema, restaurant, library, reading room, café and private communal garden.
More subtle elements of comfort were also considered, such as the orientation of the spaces to ensure they're flooded with natural light, along with the independent air supply in each residence which is separate from the rest of the building to allow for each resident to control their own preferences. In addition, ventilation rates are more than twice that required by British standards with pollution filtered from the outside air before it enters the apartments.
Images above: PDP London (architect)
“The more chance there is for social engagement, the more residents report a healthier and happier lifestyle, which leads to a greater uptake of people choosing to move to a later living development. In a post pandemic-era, where many have suffered crippling loneliness, an exemplar scheme is one that maximises that community spirit.”