Chartwell House

The brief for the design of Chartwell House was clear: to create a homely and inviting space that exudes luxury, while also being sensitive to the unique requirements of its elderly residents and the Boutique Care brand. The design ethos centred around light and airy finishes, with open-plan spaces that foster a sense of community and connection. These elements were complemented by the thoughtful use of pattern, colour, and eclectic artwork, which introduced contrast and visual interest throughout the home. The location of Chartwell House, with its proximity to the coast, played a significant role in the design, inspiring nautical-themed interiors that reflect the surrounding area and bring a sense of the seaside into the home. From the top floor, residents can enjoy views of the coast, further enhancing the connection to the beautiful environment outside.

The brief for the design of Chartwell House was clear: to create a homely and inviting space that exudes luxury, while also being sensitive to the unique requirements of its elderly residents and the Boutique Care brand. The design ethos centred around light and airy finishes, with open-plan spaces that foster a sense of community and connection. These elements were complemented by the thoughtful use of pattern, colour, and eclectic artwork, which introduced contrast and visual interest throughout the home. The location of Chartwell House, with its proximity to the coast, played a significant role in the design, inspiring nautical-themed interiors that reflect the surrounding area and bring a sense of the seaside into the home. From the top floor, residents can enjoy views of the coast, further enhancing the connection to the beautiful environment outside.

One of the standout features of Chartwell House is the innovative design solutions that were implemented to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. In the bedrooms, bespoke furniture was designed to maximize space without compromising on the essentials. A unique feature was the inclusion of chest of drawers built into the internal structure of the wardrobes, a space-saving solution that provides all the necessary storage for the room while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered appearance. Another innovative element can be found in the lounges, where custom-designed bookshelves incorporate footstool storage. This clever design allows the footstools to be neatly tucked away when not in use, keeping the space tidy and functional.

The Reception & Bistro area serves as the social hub of Chartwell House and is designed to make a strong first impression. This space is not only the first point of contact for residents and visitors but also a vibrant gathering place for social interaction. The design features a variety of seating options to cater to the preferences of residents and their families, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The interior design of this area draws on a soft blue and mustard colour palette, with linen fabrics, ship-style pendant lighting, and herringbone flooring contributing to the overall aesthetic. These design choices effectively bring the coastal theme to life, echoing the seaside location of Broadstairs. The coastal concept extends through the ground floor corridors, ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the building and reinforcing the nautical theme.

One of the design challenges faced in the Reception & Bistro area was how to manage the multiple structural columns without disrupting the open-plan layout that the client desired. The solution was to create a divider that enclosed the columns within open shelving, allowing visibility through to the bistro while maintaining the sense of openness. This design not only addressed the practical challenge but also added an attractive architectural feature to the space.

The first floor of Chartwell House is dedicated entirely to residents living with dementia, and the design of this floor was carefully crafted to enhance the lives of these residents in meaningful ways. Each section of the corridor on this floor is distinguished by a different colour scheme and theme, which not only aids in wayfinding but also offers a variety of activities tailored to different resident interests. In the garden-themed area, residents can sit under a bespoke pergola-style seating area bathed in natural light from a skylight, pot plants in a built-in shed, or pick flowers from a flower stand to take back to their rooms. These elements were designed to evoke memories of gardening or spending time outdoors with family, providing comfort and familiarity.

As residents move through the themed corridors, they encounter more engaging activities, including a fashion-inspired area with a hat shop, a library featuring a bespoke bookshelf and desk combination, and a train-themed area with a replica of a train carriage, complete with a built-in bench and a screen displaying a continuous train journey. This feature was included as a nod to the old Hornby factory located near the home, adding a layer of local heritage to the design.