Bulmer House

Bulmer House is a Housing 21 extra care scheme comprising 56 affordable apartments with communal spaces and a day centre, located in Petersfield within the South Downs National Park (SDNP). The project replaces a dilapidated care home formerly operated by Hampshire County Council, retaining the legacy of Elsa Bulmer to provide accommodation for older people. The scheme is designed exclusively for social rent, featuring a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

 

Design Approach and Principles

The design draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and historic vernacular architecture of Petersfield, combining contemporary design with traditional features to ensure it is of its time yet sensitive to context. Courtyard gardens, pitched and flat roofs, and projecting brick bays articulate the façade, enhancing visual interest. The scheme is arranged to maximise views towards the South Downs and minimise its impact on existing views into the site.

Sustainability and quality-of-life principles underpin the project, aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification. The design also reflects the latest dementia design guidance to ensure accommodation is both supportive and comfortable for older residents.

Bulmer House_Aerial View
Bulmer House_Street View
Bulmer House_Street View Opposite

Planning Constraints and Technical Challenges

A significant challenge in this project was balancing the client’s required floor space for financial and operational viability with concerns about the bulk, massing, and scale, especially in proximity to listed buildings and the sensitive character of the SDNP.

In addition, the site’s sloped topography posed a technical challenge to achieving level access throughout, which was vital for elderly residents.

 

Collaborative Solutions and Delivery Strategy

The WWA team led a comprehensive design strategy using a landscape-led approach. An internal design charrette brought together planners, architects, and urban designers to devise the concept collaboratively. A Planning Performance Agreement with SDNP allowed for close engagement with the Case Officer and Design Officer through multiple iterative meetings. Extensive public consultation, including presentations to Petersfield Town Council, addressed community concerns and successfully managed sensitive issues such as building height.

The design, which incorporated a landscape-led design approach and enhanced contextual sensitivity, received unanimous planning approval.

Design implementation also involved co-design with Housing 21’s operations team to optimise care routines and staff efficiency. The design was further refined through ongoing coordination with consultants and contractors, with WWA acting as lead consultant throughout RIBA Stages 0–7.

 

Added Value and Project Benefits

The project not only ensures the delivery of 100% affordable housing but also secures a high-quality, energy-efficient extra care scheme in a sensitive location. The development meets a pressing need for older people’s accommodation while enhancing the ecological and built environment through increased planting, new habitats, and retention of existing trees.

The close collaboration with stakeholders, the adaptability of the design, and the proactive engagement process all contributed to a scheme that reflects community needs and planning goals. WWA’s approach also delivered strong value for money by overcoming spatial constraints without compromising on quality to ensure the delivery of a viable development from both economic and operational perspectives.

 

Outcomes and Impact

Bulmer House is a benchmark for how high-quality, affordable extra care housing can be sensitively delivered within a protected landscape. It demonstrates successful negotiation through complex planning landscapes and effective collaboration across disciplines. The scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent, enhanced biodiversity, and exemplifying best practice in designing for older people.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and thoughtful design, WWA achieved a sensitive, sustainable solution praised by stakeholders, including Peter Smith, who stated:

“They designed a high-quality scheme taking a positive and proactive approach, highly professional throughout and communication second to none.”

 

Professional Services Provided

  • Architectural Design (RIBA Stages 0–7)
  • Town Planning Consultancy
  • Lead Consultant Coordination
  • Public Consultation & Engagement
  • Technical Design & Construction Support
  • Landscape-led Masterplanning
  • Dementia-friendly and Accessible Design Principles