Fern Dean Nursing Home Interiors

Reddy Architecture + Urbanism undertook extensive research with the client to define both the care requirements and the broader vision for the project. Central to this process was the ambition to create a setting that feels like a home rather than an institution, while still meeting the complex operational needs of a residential care environment.

A home should have soul. As emotional and perceptive beings, people need to connect with their surroundings in a meaningful way. In this context, aesthetics are not superficial; they play a vital role in shaping a therapeutic, familiar, and reassuring environment.

The intention was not to impose a singular design concept or simply coordinate finishes and furniture, but to focus on how residents would experience the space in their daily lives. Every decision was guided by this lived experience, creating an environment that supports comfort, dignity, and a genuine sense of belonging.

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.

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.

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.