Showley Court - Residents enjoying the sun

Showley Court sheltered housing gets a seating area in time for summer sunshine

Ribble Valley Homes worked with Landscape Engineering Ltd to design and build the seating area for residents to use and enjoy. Raised beds enable residents to touch and smell the herbs planted and also partake in gardening if they so feel. The benefits of gardening are well known and listed below –

  • Is an enjoyable form of exercise.
  • Increases levels of physical activity and helps mobility and flexibility.
  • Encourages use of all motor skills.
  • Improves endurance and strength.
  • Helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
  • Reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gardening-for-older-people

Designing a space for elderly people needs to consider surfaces, smooth and without trips, access to plants and places to rest. Coupled with space between seating for wheelchairs the design needs to function for all users. Lighting is also important for evening use and access. The raised pergola gives a ligher level planting and, in time, shade from the Lancashire sun!

Showley Court seating area stone surfacing comprises red asphalt and a resin bound golden stone https://www.resibond.co.uk/. This is applied to a base coat tarmac layer and troweled onto the surface giving a decorative and smooth surface.

Showley Court seating area furniture provides a warm and durable point to chat and relax and the surrounding trees will provide shade and also help to dry the wet lawn area. The variety selected were Amelanchier, great for colour, foliage and fruit. They really are a tree that gives a lot!

Speaking to one of the residents on completion of the scheme Sheila said ‘ The lads worked so hard, did a great job and we love the space it has created, even the sun has now arrived to provide us with that bit of warmth, I think we will have a coffee morning and cake sale soon, its perfect for it!’

‘We have had some great feedback whilst building the garden’, said Adam Smith, site foreman, ‘its great to receive praise, especially with a brew!’

‘It does look well, and I’m sure residents will appreciate us providing a facility that they can enjoy’, said Phil Thompson of Ribble Valley Homes.

Posted by Nick Riley on 24th Apr, 2018