On the edge of the fields just outside Strassen, a new building designed by Thomas & Piron, with the help of architect SIA, will house the Gallery residence and rest and care home operated by Emeis. This is the French group’s second residence in Luxembourg, following Récital in Luxembourg-Merl.
The service residence offers able-bodied people--either alone or as a couple--a flat that they can rent out completely independently, whilst benefiting from additional services: a restaurant open to residents and non-residents, a lounge area with a bar, a hairdresser, a swimming pool, a cinema, access to a medical centre and a physiotherapy clinic. There are 62 units in total, ranging from 57 to 110m2.
The rest and care home also has 118 rooms reserved for people who can no longer live alone. It offers the same services as a senior residence, but with medical rooms and care adapted to the different states of health of seniors, including those who are disoriented.
But the difference with other establishments of this kind is that this one is a far cry from the usual standards of accommodation for the elderly. Forget the old-fashioned facilities that smell of soup or disinfectants all day long. When you walk into Gallery, it’s more like walking into the lobby of a boutique hotel. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the reception desk is elegant, the designer furniture is spread throughout the space, there’s background music, the tones are soft browns, beiges and pinks, there is plenty of natural light, and there are plenty of (real) green plants.
A specialised approach
“Our agency has been specialising in hospitality for over 15 years,” explains Florence Dewaele, interior designer and co-founder of Spnkr. “We now have a great deal of experience in the world of senior living, whether in serviced residences or care homes. Previously, these residences were treated more like hospitals, with a choice of interior design that was above all functional. But today’s seniors no longer expect the same. They are often people who have travelled, who have stayed in hotels around the world, who also have interiors that are much more modern than they were 30 years ago. For the last part of their lives, they are looking for places to live where they can still enjoy their free time, stay active and see their friends and family. Interior design helps to maintain this bond, which is good for the morale and mental equilibrium of the elderly. It helps them to live better every day,” says the interior designer.
“The market is lagging far behind this demand,” confirms Alexis Letellier. “At the moment, assisted living or care homes are places that elderly people want to enter as late as possible because they’re not pleasant. But it’s much better if you can get in early enough to avoid creating additional stress when health problems arise. To achieve this, we need to create living spaces that inspire people. The residences we design are still new products on the market. Our aim is to make residents proud to be part of this place, and to ensure that they enjoy receiving their loved ones here. We want the home to remain dynamic and open to the outside world.”
Design and adaptability in equal measure
To achieve this, the architects have designed a meticulous architectural scheme that meets the needs of senior citizens. “The constraints for these living spaces are more specific than for a hotel,” explains Dewaele. “There are certain common requirements, such as the creation of an identity, a warm place, with materials that are resistant to intense use, constraints linked to maintenance... But there are other obligations specific to a use dedicated to people who are less mobile: favour rounded corners over sharp ones to avoid injuries in the event of a fall, have circulation areas free of obstacles and wide enough to allow walking with a walker or wheelchair, have numerous seats regularly arranged in the spaces, favour the use of water-repellent fabrics... It may seem a less glamorous world than the hotel business, but we take just as much care and quality in the execution as we do in top-of-the-range hotels,” assures the architect.
“The medical department is still there, but it’s no longer the point of entry. These are spaces that are not particularly reminiscent of senior living, with everything perfectly adapted to it,” adds Letellier.
Some of the adapted features include fitted carpets rather than rugs, and seats of different heights to suit different morphologies and motor skills. “Among other things, we have placed footstools, which can be used as seats for the youngest visitors or as leg rests for the oldest residents,” explains Dewaele.
In addition, Spnkr likes to work around a theme. The Récital residence in Merl, located next to the Conservatoire, was inspired by music; Gallery was inspired by art in its various forms. “The residences are not copies of each other. Each one tells its own story, has its own identity and responds to the different contexts in which it is located,” emphasises Letellier. This approach was made possible by the carte blanche granted by Emeis. “By creating high-quality interiors, residents feel more at ease in the premises. Their physical and psychological well-being is taken into account, helping to keep them in good health for as long as possible,” says Letellier. In Gallery, the presence of the arts runs alongside the project without being intrusive. This includes a selection of photos from the City of Luxembourg’s photo library, picture rails for temporary displays of works of art, designer chairs, etc. Each floor has its own theme: sculpture, painting, architecture, etc., which also makes it easier for residents to find their way around the building.
Different spaces, but a constant focus
In addition to the reception area, there is also a bar, which plays a major role in the conviviality of the premises. “The counter is a key feature, with a display case for cakes. It’s a space that livens up the hall and makes you want to come down and be with others,” says Letellier.
From here, you can access the dining area, which has also been treated with great care. Different atmospheres have been created to offer a wide range of seating options, far removed from the refectory atmosphere. “If residents wish, they can vary the places where they sit, close to the window at lunchtime to take advantage of the natural light, or in an alcove in the evening for more privacy.” Staff can also change the room using a simple system of curtains that visually partition the space. “We have also worked with false ceilings to create different atmospheres within the same open space, and to mark sequences both on the ceiling and on the floor by changing the coverings.”
The quality of the kitchen also counts, of course, and a chef is dedicated to the residence. This approach to both the dining room and the kitchen also encourages outsiders to come and eat with their elders in the residence. Last year, Récital’s chef served more than 3,000 meals to outsiders.
Quality facilities
In addition to these facilities, the residence has an indoor swimming pool and a gym to keep residents active. Residents also have access to a hairdresser, a cinema room and a multi-purpose room where they can take part in a variety of activities and maintain their intellectual and manual skills.
Outside, there is a terrace and landscaped garden for family walks, while children can enjoy the play area.
“We’ve already had a bit of this spirit in previous projects, but this is really the one with the most accomplished approach,” says Dewaele.
For the senior residence, the spaces are delivered without interior fittings, allowing residents to move in with their own furniture.
In the care home, the rooms are of course fully equipped. Of course, there are medical beds for the smooth running of the service, but there are also attractive headboards, a bedside table and a recliner chosen to match the rest of the furnishings. In addition to the bright lighting needed for medical interventions, there is also a warmer indirect lighting system for everyday use. “Here too, we have adapted the furniture to suit the residents: the mirrors at the feet, for example, are angled so that wheelchair users can see themselves properly. The storage areas are generous and adapted to the needs of residents,” says Letellier.
These are living spaces designed for the elderly, but above all they are quality spaces, enabling them to take full advantage of services and to meet their loved ones and family in a supportive and stimulating environment. Everything is designed to be harmonious and co-ordinated, with one watchword: well-being.
This article was originally published in .