Greystones Nursing Home, Co. Wicklow

The project features a new 54 bed extension to the existing Evergreen Care nursing home in Greystones, co. Wicklow.

The design derives from utilising a significant level difference between the new build area and the existing care home location which equals approximately 3.5m.

The proposal accommodates 28no single bedrooms with en-suite with all associated communal and clinical support spaces at both; ground and first floor levels corresponding with the existing building, while providing additional staff and the back of the house facilities at new lower ground level.

Designer’s main challenge was to deliver a proposal that despite of its large scale and bulky form resulting from the client’s brief, will integrate well with its existing context, considering a sensitive neighbourhood and historical character of the site. The architectural language for the extension is proposed to be a modest contemporary form that will emphasize the historical character of the existing building rather than competing with it. The palette of external finishes comprising of the coloured render and light sand colour brick was well considered and intended to introduce a new finish quality while maintain a connection with the precedence set by the original building.

Resulting from the new extension and its plan configuration, a new secure open amenity area for residents was introduced as a part of the design. The area is directly connected with new communal spaces offering a secure and well landscape refuge for residents to enjoy during nice weather.

As part of our obligation to the Client, HBM team had to ensure that the new development fully complies with current statutory requirements, but also meets the most up to date HIQA standards to ensure its future registration.