Midlands company One Creative Environments Ltd. has been commissioned to deliver the first ever Vulnerable Persons Extra Care Facility in the Falkland Islands, following a competitive pitch.
The integrated design business, which serves UK and international clients from its Midlands HQ and London office, was selected to design and deliver the centre by the Falkland Islands Government and is now working with officers to secure planning permission.
To be located on the east side of Stanley (pop 2,800), the facility will be the only one in the Falklands, having been commissioned to address bed blocking in the islands’ over-cramped hospital facilities and the growing need for supported living for vulnerable persons.
The facility, which will be for the frail and elderly, people living with a disability, those with learning difficulties and those in need of dementia care, has been designed to complement the materials and multiple bright colours that make up the islands’ local diverse style and vernacular. It also includes landscape forms inspired by natural rock runs unique to the area.
The single-storey building will feature 32 one and two bedroom apartments and two short term and respite bedrooms across multiple ‘spokes’ to maximise the stunning sea views. It will also include staff, community and ancillary services, with landscaped gardens, communal spaces, a cinema room, a hair and beauty salon, a cafe and a restaurant catering for the facility’s residents as well as the hospital and prison.
The design also includes a ‘wandering loop’ so that residents can take relaxing walks without getting confused or lost.
One, which also provides masterplanning, architecture and engineering services, will deliver the care centre in a modular design format, shipping materials over in containers and delivering a care facility of the highest standard.
One Creative Environments director, Mark Martin, comments: “This project has been a wonderful experience, with our team visiting the Falkland Islands to undertake intensive site visits, stakeholder meetings and workshops. Design considerations have included the North-facing sun, South Atlantic winds, heights and views, as well as the local colour palette. We’re delighted to have been selected to deliver the project from concept to opening and look forward to providing the much-needed facility for local people on these fabulous islands.”
For more information about One Creative Environments Ltd, visit www.oneltd.com
