It was great to get the chance to photograph this exciting, innovative and inclusive development.  The £82m leading edge development has created 316 extra care apartments across three sites in Hull on behalf of the Department of Health.  The project will help meet the growing demand for support for people with care needs. The scheme is a partnership between Hull City Council, The Riverside Group and Wates Residential with the scheme design being completed by Croft Goode Architects.

The development includes one and two bedroomed extra care apartments, a restaurant, hair salon, wellbeing suites, a training room, activity spaces and a residents’ lounge.  Using special dementia design considerations on all elements of the living space and communal accommodation, the design is tailored to make the lives of our elderly generation and those with learning difficulties easier.  Residents are able to enjoy the privacy of their own home but have the comfort of knowing care if available as and when they need it.

The project has been designed using BIM to ensure the construction process is more fluid and enhance project collaboration.  The construction has a strong emphasis on Sustainability, following the A* materials green guide (BRE).

The buildings incorporate renewable energy with photovoltaic panels producing 10% of energy consumption of the building.  The schemes are rated BREEAM Very Good with under-floor heating, heat interface units and thousands of photovoltaic panels.

The attention to detail has made all the difference in this project with ‘memory corners’ and amazing gardens that bring a sense of community amongst the residents, staff and guests to the facilities.