Best supported housing development – rural/suburban

Elizabeth Close is 900-home association Elim Housing’s first new build scheme developed under Transforming Care, an NHS England programme aiming to move autistic people and those with learning disabilities, particularly those with behavioural challenges or mental health conditions, from hospitals into the community.

 

Elizabeth Close provides self-contained bungalows for six individuals who were previously either in hospital or at risk of admission. It has been developed by a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency team to ensure the individuals’ needs are met in every respect, while remaining mindful of their changing requirements.

 

All bungalows benefit from private rear gardens, while landscaping across the site ensures that residents’ privacy is maintained. Rear access pathways create alternative routes for staff to use in the case of an escalation event. All plumbing, heating and electrics can be accessed without entering the bungalow to minimise disruption to residents.

 

This project addresses the national shortage of specialised housing for adults with complex needs, and focuses on enabling independent living in a supportive environment, while moving away from institutional care.

 

The judges said:

“A small but carefully designed supported housing development that provides safe and desirable homes for residents in need of support. Elizabeth Court represents a sensitive, people-centred approach to supported housing delivery”