The need for supported housing
There is currently a significant undersupply of supported living provision within Bath and North East Somerset. Many individuals with autism or people with learning disabilities (including people with sensory impairments, complex health needs or other conditions) are housed in out-of-area residential care. Others live with ageing parents and may have no choice but to transition to out-of-area services when their parents are no longer able to provide adequate care.
Supporting Neurodiversity
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that impacts communication and interaction with the world. There are approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children within the UK. Autism affects the way people process information and how they perceive and interact with the world around them, which can present challenges in daily life. Many people with autism experience either hypersensitivity (over-sensitivity) or hyposensitivity (under-sensitivity) to sensory experiences. Connecting autistic individuals with nature can enhance their ability to manage sensory overload.
Designing for Neurodiversity
Our design approach is driven by four themes:
Enhancing the motivation, confidence and self-esteem of residents by encouraging exploration of their environment and providing spaces for developing interests and skills.
Reducing the triggers of agitation and anxiety by providing comprehensible, coherent spaces that meet the sensory needs of individuals.
Giving staff the tools they need to deliver people-centred care and support.
Vision for the site
The site at Englishcombe Lane presents an opportunity to:
- Address the shortage of supported housing provision
- Employ sensitive and considered design which respons to the built and landscape context
- Focuses on the needs of the end users
- Supports nature recovery and low-carbon living
