La Nouvelle Maraitaine
La Nouvelle Maraitaine is a state of the art extra care facility that opened in September 2016. The development, which was built in two phases, replaced a 1960s care home that was no longer considered fit for purpose.
Construction on the site began in 2012 and a total of 68 apartments were built across the two phases. Extra care living allows local people of all ages the ability to live independently but receive support when needed. The development also offers residents and the community a wide range of additional facilities such as exercise classes, a restaurant and hairdressing salon. La Nouvelle Maraitaine is also the home for the Guille Alles Library team who hold sessions for the residents and community across the week.
The construction of La Nouvelle Maraitaine was split into two phases to make sure residents could remain within their existing homes on site rather than move into temporary accommodation. Phase one of the work included the construction of a day centre and 50 apartments. Phase 2 saw a further 18 apartments added to the site. The day centre has its own entrance which means it can be segregated from the other facilities or integrated into them as required. The communal hub includes the restaurant, flexible lounge areas, assisted bathing and a therapy/consultation room.
La Nouvelle Maraitaine was a designed by Create Ltd. and PRP Architects LLP on behalf of the Guernsey Housing Association. RG Falla acted as the main contractor for the build. The Guernsey Housing Association provides social rented housing and partial ownership for local Guernsey people whose needs cannot be met in the local housing market.
At the heart of the facility are a number of secure gardens that encourage residents to be active. A ‘core and cluster’ model allows for flexibility as a single cluster can be changed to the requirements of a specific group. The apartments themselves are stylish and spacious and can be adapted to meet changing needs of residents. Through the massing and use of traditional forms and materials the building sits comfortably within its rural setting.
The careful and considered planning and design that has allowed La Nouvelle Maraitaine to flourish has now been recognised with a Guernsey Design Award nomination. The development is nominated in the ‘Residential New Build (over £250k)’ category.
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