Client projects: STRANDHAGEN - THE FUTURE RETIREMENT HOME IS MODERN AND FLEXIBLE

27/10/2019

Case facts

Customer:
Strandhagen Retirement Home

Area:
3,900 square metres

Workstations:
Five units, four of which have flats for 44 residents, and one unit designated for day care. There are also staff areas that accommodate approximately 50 employees

Architect:
Carlstedt Arkitekter/Frisk Arkitektur

Completed:
2019

TASTEFUL AND INCLUSIVE EVERYDAY ENVIRONMENT WITH A FOCUS ON ITS RESIDENTS

Do retirement homes have to look a certain way? Not according to the manager at Strandhagen in Gnesta, Sweden, who engaged Kinnarps to create modern, sustainable and tasteful accommodation for the new construction. With airy surfaces, well thought-out design choices and flexible solutions, they have created an everyday environment where residents, relatives and staff can feel happy and at home.

FURNITURE THAT CREATES RECOGNITION

The white Kurbits wooden armchair plays with old and new designs, and creates recognition among the residents. The easy chair in solid birch provides a pleasant place for peace and quiet in the care unit, with armrests that make it easier to get into and out of the chair.

DESIGNED FOR LIGHTER LIFTING

The Erik armchair is a classic, robust chair that provides an upright sitting position with armrests for relief. The castors make it safe and secure for users, and provide the caregivers with a more ergonomic working position when moving them around.

SOFT SHAPES FOR RELAXATION

The soft and rounded shapes of the Humlan sofa provide peace of mind and space for relaxation. Available in a number of colour choices, the sofa can be combined with different carcass structures and colours, and with different seat and back cushions for a uniquely customised design – shown here in blue/grey tones to match the key colours of the residence. The removable fabric and the gap between the seat and back make Humlan easier to clean and more hygienic.

"A retirement home doesn't have to be boring, old and outdated! We got great results from consciously choosing each piece of furniture, the colour scheme, and placement of the pieces. Kinnarps has a great deal of experience and a good eye – not only are we satisfied, but the residents and their relatives are too."

Anders Hallinder, manager at Strandhagen

WELL-CONSIDERED COLOUR CHOICES

To unify all four of the resident units, and create recognition among the residents, a grey-green colour scheme permeates throughout. The colours are harmonious and welcoming, and can be found in the textiles in all areas. In the day care department, on the other hand, strong red hues have been used to stimulate the senses and provide positive recognition among those with dementia.

INCLUSIVE FURNITURE CHOICES THAT PROVIDE OPTIONS

Solitary furniture is mixed with sofa groups to create an inclusive environment where all body types and personalities fit and feel comfortable. Here, residents have the opportunity to socialise in groups, or to enjoy the community in private by choosing an easy chair with a screening backrest.

AIRY SURFACES FOR EASY ACCESS

The common areas in the care units have an airy and open feel, so that everyone can move freely and get around easily with walkers and wheelchairs. Small, sleek coffee tables provide flexible furnishing that can easily be rearranged according to the other furnishings.

STIMULATING SPACES TO SOCIALISE IN

To find furniture that contributes, not only aesthetically but also functionally, Kinnarps collaborated with the staff, as well as the residents’ physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The multi-size rocking chairs with high and low backs provide a calming and stimulating place for meetings. Sheepskin is soft and comfortable to sit on, while also being durable and antiseptic.

SPACE FOR BREAKS

The staff room stands out from the other areas due to its different colours and design. Long curtains create a cosy feeling, and the accent colour is reflected in the sound absorber on the wall, which also gives the room a pleasant feel.

"We live out our days together with our elderly residents – the environment needs to be pleasant for everyone here at Strandhagen"

Anders Hallinder, manager at Strandhagen

When building Strandhagen’s retirement home, the goal was to create a harmonious, sustainable and flexible everyday environment where everyone feels welcome and at home. Recognition is an important factor in creating a sense of security among residents. Therefore, a lot of focus and time was spent on choosing colours and textiles to highlight that feeling of harmony.

In order to offer high-quality care, great consideration was also given to the staff's requests for ergonomic solutions to facilitate their day-to-day work – partly through design, but also through furniture placement and the choice of sustainable and durable materials.

Strandhagen is a modern retirement home with high demands and varying needs, where the furniture and design are functional, and create feelings of harmony and well-being.