Affordable Extra Care Designed Around Independence
BMJ Architects has been appointed by Preferred Homes Ltd to design a 71-unit affordable extra care development on the former police station site at Watnall Road in Hucknall
Supporting Independence Through Design
The scheme provides a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, designed to support independent living within a safe, welcoming and well-connected residential setting. Ground-floor homes open directly onto outdoor space, with low walls and planting used to create privacy, security and a softer transition between home and landscape.
Inside the apartments, flexible layouts support residents’ changing needs over time. Easy-to-use controls and sensors help monitor heating and cooling, making the homes practical, adaptable and comfortable for everyday life.
Concept and Strategy
Inside the apartments, flexible layouts support residents’ changing needs over time. Easy-to-use controls and sensors help monitor heating and cooling, making the homes practical, adaptable and comfortable for everyday life.
The wider building brings together the shared facilities that help extra care housing work well: a bistro, lounge, day room and quiet room for activities, flexible multipurpose rooms for visiting services, laundry provision, buggy, scooter and cycle storage, ground-floor toilets, reception space and lift access to all floors.
Dedicated staff accommodation is also integrated into the plan, including office space, changing facilities, rest areas, stores, plant space and a visitor bedroom suite. Floors and corridors differ in colours to help with early dementia. The gardens are well considered with their south-facing aspect and enclosed positions, which will provide a calm and tranquil environment for the resident to enjoy their homes and surroundings. The result is a carefully organised residential environment that balances independence, support and community.
Explore the Details
“With these new homes, we're giving older people the opportunity to retain their independence while still getting the support they need. We selected this site in the heart of the Hucknall community so residents can maintain the relationships and routines that are so important to their wellbeing.”
Construction Manager, Preferred Homes
Delivering Modern Neurosurgical Theatres Within a Refurbished Clinical Environment
The project also includes a new theatre suite on Level 1, providing four neuro theatres as part of a wider refurbishment of the Institute of Neurological Sciences theatre suite. This created essential additional operating capacity and brought facilities in line with current space standards.
High-quality materials were selected to support the building’s longevity and positive contribution to the surrounding townscape. The project also included public realm improvements and a new landscaped courtyard.
