Supported Living Apartments in Birmingham

Birmingham’s three-story facility, with 22 supported living apartments, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The key to getting this project through the planning system has been effective teamwork. We have worked closely with our client, Empowered Homes and a team of consultants, including Grace Machin, Thrive, BSP Consulting, and Crookes Walker Consulting, to deliver the project.

The development has a modern design that uses metal profile cladding and features brickwork to create a dynamic façade. The upper story’s setback assures that nearby neighbouring residences won’t be overlooked or have their privacy invaded. The accommodation offers a range of apartment sizes to meet the specialist needs of the residents and communal spaces are integrated on the ground floor.

Monmouth Road – 3D view from rear garden

Key Design Principles

To provide more user-centred apartments and communal areas, the proposal incorporates psychologically informed design principles that emphasise empowerment, choice, and control. Examining the building’s relationship to the outside world, considering interior design opportunities for natural materials, and including architectural features that support self-control and allow occupants to live independently are all part of this.

Planning Challenges

Obtaining the necessary level of accommodation in a building with a footprint similar to the existing structure on the site presented planning challenges. As a result, a three-storey building that respects the separation distances to the neighbouring properties, using a contemporary approach was proposed.

Benefits of Psychologically Informed Environments

Psychologically informed environments in supported living accommodations offer a multitude of benefits that cater to the well-being of residents. By integrating principles from psychology into the design of these spaces, such as providing choices, empowerment, and control, residents experience heightened levels of comfort, security, and autonomy. Offering residents the freedom to personalize their living spaces fosters a sense of ownership and belonging, which can positively impact their mental and emotional health. Moreover, environments designed with consideration for psychological well-being promote social interaction and a sense of community among residents, ultimately contributing to a supportive and enriching living experience. Overall, psychologically informed environments at Monmouth Road will provide residents with an improved quality of life.

Result

A collaborative effort between Empowered Homes and a team of consultants resulted in the successful navigation of the planning system to deliver permission for 22 supported living apartments in Birmingham, housed within a contemporary three-storey building surrounded by landscaped grounds. Utilizing psychologically informed design principles, the project prioritizes user-centred living spaces, offering residents generous apartments and integrating communal areas while focusing on aspects like connection to nature, natural materials, and architectural features promoting independence and self-regulation.

To learn more about how Trauma Informed Design can be applied to both new build and existing properties by combining the disciplines of psychology and architecture, please contact WWA’s Managing Director Mark Slater at 0123 552 3139 for a free initial consultation.