Extra safety has been incorporated into an extra care housing
development for over 55s courtesy of GEZE UK.
A natural smoke ventilation system which combines automated smoke
and heat extraction has been installed into Lawson House – a new independent
living facility in Aylesford, Kent.
A total of 16 GEZE RWA 110 NT window actuators were installed in
pairs throughout the corridors of the three-storey building which is managed by
Rapport Housing & Care. These incorporate an electric spindle drive which
is coupled with a mechanical locking mechanism.
Eight K600 retractable arm drives were installed for the
activation of automated smoke shaft doors. The shafts support the ventilation
of protected areas in buildings used for multiple occupation. Should fire break
out, the smoke vents would activate to efficiently expel accumulating heat and
smoke.
All the actuators have been connected to 14 THZ emergency power
supplies which link into smoke detection devices around the development.
Lawson House, which was designed by the Essex office of the Tooley
& Foster partnership, was developed for affordable rent with 20 of the 74,
one-and-two-bedroom apartments made available for military veterans.
Willis Architectural was commissioned to install the ventilation
and safety system and identified the GEZE RWA 110 NT solution as being ideal
for Lawson House’s requirements.
Extra care, which is often referred to as assisted living, enables
over 55s to remain in their own homes for as long as possible within the
community, whilst providing them with a degree of support, tailored to their
individual needs.
A safe and secure environment is assisted with staff on-site 24
hours a day, seven days a week, should an emergency arise. The apartments each
have a kitchen, dining room, living room and en-suite accessible wet rooms.
They are fitted with a call bell system and have provision for a phone line,
terrestrial and satellite television.
Communal facilities include landscaped gardens, a restaurant with
sun room and terrace, lounge and seating areas including quiet areas, an
activity room and a hair salon and therapy room.
Said Andy Howland, sales and marketing director for GEZE UK: “It
is heartwarming to see good quality social housing being developed for older
people in our communities that incorporate great facilities with good practice
in respect of safety.
“We would like to welcome the residents of Lawson House to their
new homes and hope that they will delight in the amenities and services on
offer and enjoy the community which will create a sense of extended family.”
Jil Stanley, Housing Officer at Lawson House added: “We are
delighted that Lawson House has been so successful since opening its doors in
September. The scheme is now full with a waiting list in place and for those
that live here, it has proven to be an incredibly positive move, even life
changing for some. We are looking forward to echoing this in our new similar
developments.”
