Ferndene Interiors

RA+U carried out extensive research with the clients to identify their care requirements and vision for the space. A key client objective was to refine and develop a thoughtfully designed space, to make it feel like a home rather than a care facility, whilst meeting the specific occupational requirements of a residential care home. A home should have soul, humans are emotional and intelligent beings and as such need to connect with their spaces. Aesthetics is closely related to creating a therapeutic homelike environment. We didn’t want the interior design to simply feel like we matched the furniture with an overall chosen design concept, but rather make the space about how the residents will experience their surrounding environments.

Phase 1 of the project saw the construction of 26 additional bedrooms on the second level of an existing nursing home in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. New dining and seating areas and the refurbishment of existing day room accommodation were included in the scope.

In 2023, Reddy A+U completed Phase 2 of project, delivering an extension of the existing nursing home. The new extension housed a dedicated dementia specific unit on the second floor and provided more space for the nursing home on the ground and second floors.

The new wing is connected at each level to the existing building. Each floor has its own separate dining / sitting area so they can be fully segregated or connected to the rest of the nursing home as required.

Resident bedrooms throughout the facility were designed to be comfortable and robust for wheelchair users while maintaining a calm, neutral environment. Each bedroom features bespoke twin track curtains with sheer and blackout fabrics to ensure complete light block for daytime rest. The rooms can be customised with personal furniture and soft furnishings or fully fitted to care home standards.

The sense of touch was an aspect of the interiors we wanted to fully embrace for the home. We achieved this by looking at over 100 different types of fabrics, testing every inch of them for their suitability to the home whilst having machine washable fabrics for throws and cushions to ensure a high standard of maintenance was feasible.

We collaborated with Royal Masterpeace manufacturers to develop bespoke beds, with completely adjustable side rails along with a range of different heights for the bed to reach. We also specified a textural print for the headboard and end board, which was wipeable and fully cushioned for comfort.

Connection between the residents and their surrounding was an important element of the design and careful consideration was given to sourcing antiques, photos and objects that would resonate with their history and life experiences. The chosen objects and memorabilia were an eclectic selection that would connect the residence not only to the surrounding spaces but would also offer a sense of belonging, and nudge conversation about their lives and aid memory triggers for some occupants with dementia.

Enhancing the wellbeing of the residents was also a key focus in our design process. We incorporated a library area in the dayroom for reading, music, and art classes. Residents' artwork is framed and displayed along the halls, aiding wayfinding and adding a personal touch to the environment.

Accommodating universal design schemes without compromising on the aesthetic form and quality of the nursing home was a priority which was carried throughout the project. This ethos resulted in the creation of a sensitive space that is responsive to the changing needs of its residents.