Knowl Park House: Dementia-Friendly By Design – Tilbury Douglas
Nominee Information
Knowl Park House is a state-of-the-art dementia daycare centre, setting new standards for therapeutic environments that enhance recovery. It was designed with a deep understanding of dementia friendly principles to provide a safe, stimulating, and supportive space for its service users.
The centre promotes independence, dignity, and wellbeing to empower more people to maintain their independence and delay the need for intensive and longer-term residential care, allowing them to live in their own homes for longer.
The single storey daycare centre provides 25 places and features four distinct and therapeutic zones.
- The home therapy zone is designed to support familiar and comforting daily activities, such as cooking and baking. It also features an adaptable interactive space, where projectors can be used to evoke memories and create a personalised experience.
- The activities zone encourages mental stimulation through arts and crafts and games, helping maintain cognitive functions.
- The wellbeing zone is a tranquil space designed to reduce anxiety and promote mindfulness, featuring a spa and a cinema for relaxation and sensory comfort.
- The sensory garden provides a peaceful retreat, featuring a calming water feature, ample seating, and enhanced pathways with cold-resistant handrails for safe, year-round access. Raised planters also encourage gardening activities, making the space both relaxing and engaging.
Each element is designed to support independent living and promote brain development and recovery. From wall colours to room layouts, every design detail is considered through the eyes of someone with dementia. The design prioritises visual interest, flexibility, and accessibility, featuring wide, bright corridors with seating nooks overlooking the garden.
Knowl Park House is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, making nature a key part of the recovery process. Thoughtfully landscaped gardens feature outdoor lighting, covered seating, improved pathways, a gazebo, and weather coated handrails, ensuring year-round accessibility for service users.
Alongside the Day Care Centre, the Centre of Excellence provides cutting edge training spaces, accommodation, an Assisted Technology Area showcasing the latest advancements in dementia care, and a demonstration bungalow for hands on learning,
The project team was committed to empowering individuals with greater independence while ensuring a lasting, sustainable legacy. To support future generations and protect the planet, the building features PV roof panels that convert sunlight into electricity, reducing its carbon footprint. Sustainable materials, energy efficient underfloor heating, and a natural ventilation strategy further reinforce its long-term environmental responsibility.
Our team recognised the impact this project could have on those with dementia and their families. Beyond its visual appeal, this advanced dementia centre is designed for meaningful support. The team remained committed throughout, building strong relationships with the community and stakeholders.
The excellence of the project has already been recognised with a top CCS Score of 45/45 and the 2024 Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Award for Delivering Value. Achieving the University of Stirling’s Gold Standard for dementia friendly environments, it is a beacon of best practice in mental health and dementia care.
