The Spires, Lichfield

The 70-bedroom care home provides accommodation for older people with a variety of care needs, including dementia.

Built on the site of an old care home, we managed create a compact, efficient building on behalf of Barchester Healthcare despite the tight constraints of the location. Although not immediately obvious, the site has a significant fall from the top to the bottom so we took the opportunity to elevate the rear gardens which has enhanced the external views.

The design route taken ensured the building does not compete with the surrounding buildings, including residential homes, but respects the local architecture and is respectful of its setting.

It has also tried to incorporate the features of the surrounding vernacular architecture to help inform the design whilst still remaining functional, thereby improving its ability to blend in well with its surroundings.

The design also ensures natural light is provided in all parts of the building. The feeling of being protected and providing a communal, welcoming environment has also been achieved

Through consultation with the local planning authority, it was possible to create a building which does not overdevelop the site an retains a residential scale appropriate to its use, creating the best possible balance for the site.