The Brief & Project Context
Enham Trust, a leading charity supporting disabled people to live independently, required the complete internal refurbishment and change-of-use conversion of an existing office building—Carpenters Cottage—into modern, fully accessible assisted living quarters. The brief demanded a tailored residential environment featuring bespoke kitchens, specialized bathrooms, and comfortable living areas built around individual independence and care support.
Construction Challenges & Execution
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Commercial-to-Residential Structural Conversion: Complete internal strip-out of redundant office infrastructure and creation of new partition layouts to form self-contained, accessible living quarters.
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Bespoke Accessible Kitchens & Wet Rooms: Precision installation of rise-and-fall accessible worktops, level-access wet rooms, specialized sanitaryware, and anti-scald plumbing systems.
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Level Thresholds & Access Integration: Widening interior doorways, removing threshold steps, and installing automated access controls to ensure smooth wheelchair maneuvering throughout.
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M&E & Safety System Upgrade: Overhauling electrical circuits, low-energy LED lighting, nurse-call/emergency pull-cord infrastructure, and acoustic insulation between living quarters.
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Live Care Community Logistics: Managing site deliveries and noise protocols with acute sensitivity to surrounding residents and existing Enham Trust facilities.
The Outcome
Darcy Construction successfully delivered a high-quality, dignified, and functional assisted living facility at Carpenters Cottage. The conversion provides Enham Trust with modern, energy-efficient housing that empowers independent living while satisfying stringent regulatory standards.
