Arvida Lauriston

Designed to improve lives and wellbeing.

Arvida’s core values are living well and creating a connection with a sense of place; the narrative of this build was developed around the extensive trees that form so much of the essence of Cambridge.

Embracing this, and the importance of Biophilic design in supporting wellness, – this narrative was woven through all spaces. The planning and designs embraced natural light, natural textures and bold nature graphics to provide focal points and backdrops within spaces.

The design fosters a continuous Arvida Lauriston community feel from independent living to care, with home-like micro-communities, or “households,” replacing single communal areas to create a more personal, homely environment. Rather than one communal area serving all residents, we formed clusters of suites with an intention of deinstitutionalising care and promoting a homely environment.

The wider communal setting is not lost, as the households are then linked by communal spaces by using glazed screens with graphics applied for privacy and impact. A larger central café and reception offers a space for the wider community to engage with residents, underpinning the importance of socialisation in wellbeing.