Abbey Dean

Moreland St Gardens  

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of living close to loved ones, especially those more vulnerable and in need of support like our elderly relatives. Likewise, the situation has increased the rate of isolation and loneliness for the elderly and as a growing proportion of society this situation must be addressed to support independently living elderly and their closest relatives. The solution proposed here is to provide a community where families can live in close proximity to their elderly relatives and support them whilst still allowing them to live independently.  

Studio 3 focused on the ideas of ‘home’ and how our personal perspective of home influences our architectural approach. The Moreland St Gardens scheme is a response to home as a place of safety, interaction and growth. The scheme intends to create a sense of belonging and comfort through physical enclosure and the balance of public and private spaces. To encourage interaction, the existing forgotten terrace houses are restored for community use as a café, forest school and winter garden. Research relating to child-play and environments for growth led to the need for a variety of internal and external spaces for learning and playing that maintain security for the parents. These layers of space create new opportunities and experiences for children as they grow up.  

The scheme will not only aim to support social sustainability through interactive places but will inspire environmental sustainability through natural ventilation and daylighting.