In 2017, we completed the Sevenoaks Care Home in Kent, a project that brought together the expertise of RDT Architects, specialist contractors Lawrence Baker, and care home operator Care UK to create an 80-bedroom dementia and residential care facility.

Challenge:
The project posed several unique challenges, including a steep topography, high ecological value, and the need to balance sensitive neighbouring uses. Additionally, we needed to integrate Care UK's operational requirements and layout changes into a set of pre-approved developer plans, all while ensuring compliance with Sevenoaks District Council’s planning criteria.

Approach:
RDT Architects engaged in detailed consultations with the council and collaborated closely with Care UK and Lawrence Baker to navigate these complexities. We focused on seamlessly integrating the operator's needs within the existing plans while maintaining a design that adapted to residents' evolving care requirements. Special attention was given to designing spaces that provide comfort, accessibility, and community, including a café, bar, cinema, hair salon, and landscaped gardens.

Result:
The result was a holistic living environment that not only met high-needs dementia care standards but also offered residents a vibrant, comfortable lifestyle. The facility reflects our commitment to thoughtful design, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and resident well-being in a beautifully integrated setting.

This project showcases our ability to overcome complex site conditions while delivering high-quality, resident-centred design solutions.

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