About the project
Alan Morkill House is currently a 49-bed care home, that is not purpose built and features rooms with arrangements which are not ideal for residents, limited ensuite facilities, as well as limited additional amenity and day spaces for the residents. The home is not up to the standard of a modern care facility and is no longer deemed fit for purpose for future residents and compared to current market standards.
The proposal looks to redevelop the site to feature a 92-bed care home, C2 use, which offers nursing, nursing dementia, residential, residential dementia and respite care. Our vision for Alan Morkill House is to create state of the art facilities which will become the focal point of the community. By offering a comprehensive variety of services that cater to different levels of care,from low and high acuity needs within one location, the site allows elderly residents to receive seamless care without the need to relocate once their needs change.
Furthermore, local care services have highlighted a shortage of specialist dementia support in the area. A recent report shows there is already a need for 653 bedrooms with accessible wet room bathrooms within a 2.5km radius, and this is expected to rise to 929 over the next 10 years.
Our vision for 654 Kenton Lane is to create a state of the art facility which will become a focal point of its community. It’s design character
references the local vernacular and makes the most of its prominent siting.
It is our sincere belief, that the proposal shown here along with GCH’s core values, 654 Kenton Lane will lease new life into this derelict plot and become a focal point for the community.
Plans
The ground floor of the proposed care home has been thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for residents and visitors alike. Upon entry, a dedicated lobby leads to a public-facing café/bar, providing a social hub for family and friends. The floor features 16 fully ensuite bedrooms alongside a range of communal spaces including a quiet lounge/library, a cinema room, a beauty salon, and a spacious living and dining area—promoting wellbeing, relaxation, and community engagement.
Essential clinical and operational spaces are integrated throughout to support high-quality care in a comfortable and homely setting.
The first floor accommodates 22 ensuite bedrooms, designed to provide privacy and comfort. Residents can enjoy additional quiet lounges and communal living and dining areas that encourage social interaction in a homely setting. This floor also features a dedicated spa/therapy room to support residents’ health and relaxation.
The second floor continues the calm, residential feel with 22 bedrooms with full ensuite shower rooms and thoughtfully arranged living, dining, and quiet lounge spaces. In addition to clinical and support facilities, this floor introduces an activities and sensory room, offering residents stimulating and engaging experiences tailored to a range of needs.
The third floor offers 18 ensuite bedrooms and a continuation of the home’s comfortable communal areas, including quiet lounges and living spaces. A key feature on this level is the sheltered external terrace, providing a safe, accessible outdoor environment where residents can enjoy fresh air and natural light in a protected setting.
The fourth floor provides 14 ensuite bedrooms and maintains the building’s emphasis on comfort and care with additional quiet lounges, living and dining areas. This floor also includes a second sheltered external terrace, offering another peaceful outdoor retreat with elevated views, enhancing residents’ access to light and nature.
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Elevations
The proposed design takes inspiration from the surrounding context and material palette in order to create a harmonious proposal which respects its surroundings. Design elements such as stepped back roofs, tall protruding glazing, contrast banding and details all help derive from the local character. The use of red and light brick references the predominant local material palette.
The design character references the local vernacular and makes the most of its prominent siting. As with our care, our design approach has been sensitive, aiming to achieve harmony between the local context whilst optimising our ability to deliver care.
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