September 16 2024

Scottish Borders Council and jmarchitects have broached plans for an elderly care village in Tweedbank as part of a strategic plan by the local authority to cater for its ageing demography.

Tweedbank Care Village will offer specialised dementia care while supporting the 'de-institutionalisation' of care by splitting accommodation into domestic-scaled properties for 60 residents.

Modelled on a traditional farm estate the courtyard plan sees three buildings front a central amenity area with open aspects to a feature pond. Incorporating feature and split gables of standing seam metal in bold colours to stand apart from the predominant use of wood effect cladding.

In a design statement, jmarchitects wrote: "The scale and massing of the buildings is key to creating the ‘village’ character of the development.

"The buildings are almost symmetrical around their central axis with ‘bookend’ double gables to each end of the building. These form sheltered courtyard spaces around the main entrances. The gables are used to form distinct forms in the landscape, important for the view into the site over the pond."

Supporting groups of seven or fewer residents sharing a living, kitchen and dining area the flats will promote mental wellbeing and access to a cafe, hairdresser, greenhouse and shop to improve social inclusion. 

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