Client Brief

Waldeck were appointed to provide the much needed sustainable refurbishment of independent living centre, Larwood House. The project, worth £2million included the conversion of the existing 32 studio flats into 18 one bed apartments, plus amendments to ancillary/ back of house spaces. 

Project Overview

The Waldeck team delivered a one-stop-shop design solution including Digital Surveying and BIM, Architectural Design, Civil and Structural Engineering and M&E Design.

Waldeck advanced the scheme from concept stage, through a negotiated tender and also over saw the construction phase of the project, working alongside the contractor.

Achievements

The project consisted of:

  • A full modernisation of the facility internally and externally including associated landscaping works.
  • A new reception and entranceway has been delivered along with a new access and egress points around the buildings.
  • The reconfiguration of the flats to provide larger, modernised living accommodation and updated communal facilities.

The new accommodation is designed to ‘Lifetime Homes’ and dementia friendly standards, and as part of the future proofing exercise, the property is completely over clad in contemporary materials. While design standards were prescriptive in terms of the geometric design of the internal spaces and the requisite fixtures and fittings, the general arrangement and material selection has been designed by Waldeck to re-use and optimise the existing structures and below ground infrastructure.

With no record drawings for the facility, our digital survey team commenced the design stage by capturing the above and below ground data, which has informed the working models for architectural and engineering disciplines.

Results

This is a project which has benefitted from previous learning. Early stakeholder engagement allowed Waldeck to receive a clear brief from the project board and our recommendation to obtain good quality, 3D surveys to inform the design from the early stages was heard and acted upon.

Team Comment

David Foster, Associate Architect at Waldeck shared:

“Waldeck are pleased to share the case study of the completed refurbishment of Larwood House in Worksop in association with Fortem and Bassetlaw District Council”.

“Tackling fire safety issues and fuel poverty our multi-disciplinary team delivered the internal remodeling, external façade upgrade and M&E replacement of the independent living centre providing 18 apartments alongside ancillary facilities. The significant refurbishment provides the residents with larger living spaces, fully accessible wet rooms and either a patio or balcony elevating the standard of accommodation. Environmental improvements through the installation of photovoltaics and air source heat pumps will help energy requirements and  provide long-term benefits to the residents.”

“The project was a great example of a Council investing in upgrading their existing building stock and giving the centre a new lease on life which will no doubt benefit its residents and provide a contemporary home in a community setting”.