The primary vision of the brief was to create a delightful residential setting, which is nurturing, yet an integral part of the local community. The residents have behaviours which can challenge services and a very strong objective was to ensure that the development is in no way institutional in feel or aesthetics. The ten homes allow for different needs and living arrangements. The accommodation is split in to five individual flats, with an additional shared socialising space, a two person shared flat and three person shared flat. Support staff are also provided with two bedrooms to allow for overnight care. In the wider site, there is an activity centre with sensory and therapy provision, along with a space for arts and crafts and staff support.
People with autism greatly benefit from space and links to the outside and landscapes as a positive resource. The masterplan concept of the development has maximised the outstanding setting of the historic conservation village of Alfold, the farm heritage of the site and the surrounding ancient woodland. The homes are anchored in the heart of the site by a rich horticulture and sensory garden framework. For the homes, we have taken the typology of a dispersed farmstead, in both arrangement and aesthetics. We believe this typology respects the local vernacular and character of the village, whilst also providing a collection of buildings that can give individual quality and a safe setting, but feels part of a larger community. The dispersed nature allows for the buildings to nestle into the landscape and allow for permeable views through the site to the ancient woodland beyond.
The building materials are rich in quality and reflect the local vernacular of stone, brick and treated timber boarding, realised in a contemporary style. The buildings consist of a family of materials, with each individual building having its own clear identity, a helpful mechanism for the residents.
Renders by Forbes Massie
Sketch by Haverstock
