Construction work has now started on a unique, integrated housing development encompassing independent special needs accommodation, commissioned by Cube Housing Association for its site in Johnstone, west of Glasgow.

The Burns Drive development aims to demonstrate best practice by respectfully meeting the complex living requirements of six tenants with a range of physical and behavioural needs alongside those of 24 families seeking quality, affordable two and three-bedroom homes for rent.

Since its formation in Glasgow in 1994, design practice Armitage Associates has established a successful track record in delivering highly-inclusive, holistic design solutions for the sheltered housing and health care sectors.

Jeremy Armitage, partner and lead architect explained: “The design for the Burns Drive site includes a six-flat cluster of very sheltered single-storey homes, each with its own front door and communal gardens. The six apartments nestle around a knoll, with stunning views across landscaped gardens towards the lush greens of Cochrane Castle Golf Club.

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“Delivering maximum independence is key to this project, and so we have ‘designed in’ a host of subtle equipment-controlling technologies, combined with maximum flexibility in room layout, walls and fittings, backed up with extremely robust soundproofing.”

Safety-conscious features include flow sensors for taps, flood detectors, video door entry, motion sensors and fall detectors for discreet monitoring by caring staff as well as underfloor heating and overnight accommodation for carers.

Pat McCall, Regeneration Manager for Cube Housing Association said: “We are delighted with the collaborative, sensitive approach adopted by Armitage Associates which will deliver the high quality of affordable housing for which Cube Housing Association is renowned.

“They quickly demonstrated a profound understanding of our concerns and came up with a practical, respectful solution which will deliver independent, dignified living for all.

“As a result, we will soon be in a position to offer 30 urgently-needed new homes. We are especially proud that our Burns Drive community will include six new tenants, with health challenges ranging from physical disabilities to speech or vision impairment, who can soon look forward to independent, comfortable and contemporary living in a desirable new neighbourhood.”

The interiors of the six sheltered flats have been ‘future proofed’ for maximum flexibility in meeting residents’ changing needs. Hoists, for example, can be easily installed in bathrooms, and walls re-aligned to meet the spatial and living needs of an elderly couple versus a single occupant.

(CD/SP)