New build development of the year: the North and the Midlands

Worcester-based One Creative Environments designed a state-of-the-art extra-care facility for the Falkland Islands government.

 

Located on the coast of Stanley Harbour, this 3,600 square metre development, which officially opened in March 2025, has set a new benchmark for social care and assisted living on the islands. It provides a high-quality, adaptable environment for older people, disabled people and people with learning difficulties, and those requiring dementia care. 

 

The sustainable design adopts a fabric-first approach, with architects and engineers collaborating to deliver high-performance insulation to walls, floors and roofs. The scheme’s airtight timber frame enables controlled natural ventilation and reduces the risk of airborne infections.

 

Triple-glazed windows and doors boost energy efficiency and eliminate thermal weak points, while independently controlled underfloor heating provides a consistent level of comfort and minimises energy use. Offsite prefabrication reduced waste and enabled an efficient construction process in a remote location, while locally sourced materials and labour lowered emissions and supported the local economy.

 

The judges said:

“This building could be a blueprint for new care homes or communal living in the UK. It is simple but striking and fits beautifully with its environment and surroundings”