Prototype for a 15m2 flat in China for one of the worlds biggest developers
Vanke had previously worked with us on student accommodation pods, and approached us again to design a prefabricated apartment concept for the elderly designed to work in a multi-storey building.
Rather than the emphasis being on a compact space, our design focus for this project was to utilise a series of prefabricated components arranged to allow a spacious layout that would be homely and easy to navigate.
As well as designing the apartments to be wheelchair accessible and to provide space for visiting nurses and professional care workers, we also immediately recognised the importance of small details that would make life easier for the elderly. These included balconies that provided wind protection, spacious wet rooms with no level changes, easy-open doors, and movable partitions that create flexible guest bedrooms. Bespoke, moulded timber handrails are back-lit and recessed into walls throughout to aid mobility, and are incorporated around concealed services and built in storage.
