St John's Home for Elderly Persons

The new St John’s Home for the elderly is not about the conventional notion of occupying spaces but rather crafting an ambience that one seeks which is conducive to the mind, body and soul; a new Home. A new home that exudes all the familiarities of the key aspects of communal living through various levels of interaction, be it with one another or with the crafted spaces. From the intimate spaces within the room accommodations to the larger common areas, favourable environments laced with lush greeneries were created to cater for every aspect, inducing self-esteem. By placing the main block facing north/south and the chapel to the west with the service zones clearly separated to the rear, the large arrival plaza can be used for a variety of events. The dramatic form of the floating chapel is an inviting visual marker while shielding the chapel interior from the western sun. Being completely transparent to the outdoor plaza, water feature and tranquil gardens on the south and east side, making it an ideal atmosphere for activities that draw in visiting families and the community. Special attention is given to the residents’ accommodations and facilities to give them a variety of spaces that are naturally lit and ventilated which function seamlessly between the private and interactive areas. Through pulling apart, shifting and flipping of the room modules, the interlocking building block becomes permeable and bright. The otherwise normal corridors are expanded to become forecourts which could be personally crafted and decorated to give the residents a sense of home. With it, incidental spaces like lounge, study and pantry are included creating a better flow throughout. The planters and ‘green’ roofs that passively cool the building are also activity spaces for rooftop gardening and farming or merely to enjoy the sunset and distant views. Indeed, the intent of creating a Home far away from Home is achieved through clear process and site planning that embrace the needs of the residents with a variety of well designed spaces that elevate their self esteem and well being.