The Frimley Extra Care Development is a thoughtfully designed project consisting of 49 extra care units, built exclusively for residents over the age of 65 with assessed care needs. Centred around a community hub and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the scheme offers a tranquil, nature-focused environment. The project is managed by SageHaus Living, aiming to set a new standard for elderly housing in rural areas.
The development follows a biophilic design approach, which prioritises the well-being of residents by fostering a strong connection to nature. This design philosophy integrates natural elements like sunlight, plants, and green spaces into the living environment, proven to have positive effects on mental health, cognitive function, and physical well-being. For the elderly, especially those facing challenges like dementia or reduced mobility, exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve cognitive activity, and even promote physical activity through carefully designed communal gardens and walking paths.
A key aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. All buildings will be constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which reduces the environmental impact by using less material and energy. MMC also allows for quicker assembly, reducing disruption to the local area. The entire development will be powered by renewable energy sources, ensuring a low carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of the project. This forward-thinking approach reflects SageHaus Living’s dedication to reducing the environmental impact while creating a high-quality living environment for residents.
The development also makes use of existing structures, such as Loen House, which will be repurposed into the central extra care facility. By retaining and upgrading this building, the project reduces waste and resource consumption. The house will be transformed into a hub offering essential services such as 24-hour care, a bistro, communal lounge, and spaces for social interaction like a library and cinema room.
Each of the 49 units has been designed to ensure that residents can live independently while benefiting from the support and care services on site. The ‘own front door and garden’ concept allows each resident to maintain a private living space, with the units opening onto gardens instead of roads. This layout promotes a sense of independence while fostering community interaction through shared outdoor spaces.
All units comply with Building Regulations Part M4(ii), ensuring that they are fully accessible for those with mobility issues, including wheelchair users. Each unit is equipped with the infrastructure to accommodate new technologies and mobility aids as residents’ needs change over time. This adaptability is in line with the government’s preferred policy of ‘Ageing in Place’, which supports residents in staying in their homes for as long as possible.
The central community hub at Loen House will provide a wide range of services designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. Managed by SageHaus Living, the site will have an on-site manager to oversee daily operations and ensure the smooth running of care services.
In addition to care services, the communal areas have been designed to encourage social engagement, which is a key element of the development. The design includes gardens, courtyards, and spaces for activities such as walking and gardening, all of which promote interaction among residents and reduce the risk of isolation. The biophilic design also includes features such as natural lighting and well-maintained pathways, improving mobility and safety.
The Frimley Extra Care Development is a pioneering approach to elderly care, offering a blend of independence, care, and community in a sustainable and nature-focused environment. By combining modern construction techniques with a biophilic design philosophy, the project sets a new standard for extra care housing in rural areas. With its adaptable and accessible units, integrated care services, and a strong emphasis on the well-being of residents, this development will provide a much-needed solution to the growing demand for elderly accommodation in the region.
