The market for housing designed for senior living is experiencing unprecedented growth, with expectations that 1 in 4 people in the UK will be aged 65 or over by 2050.
The Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO), a national body that works to enhance commercially viable and supportive housing that promotes independence, has reported a ‘very significant’ increase in the number of older people enquiring about and moving to retirement communities. From retirement villages to integrated community developments and supported care, the housing industry is working hard to meet this increasing demand for high quality housing.
Natural Prime Oak is available in gluedown and rigid core fomats.
Thoughtful design, based on human insight and focused on the specific needs of this demographic group, can offer the range of accommodation required with a blend of comfortable private and communal spaces that enhances independence, reduces loneliness and supports wellbeing.
When it comes to interiors, a homely welcoming feel is the key factor residents and their families look for when choosing a new home. Other deciding factors can include a sense of community, a safe environment and high quality on-site facilities.
Flooring can play an important part in creating this sense of luxury, safety and belonging. Attractive familiar floor designs that introduce a natural look but also offer a practical surface can enhance health and wellbeing, connect residents with the local environment and protect indoor air quality.
Canadian Urban Oak from our Korlok collection.
Hygienic, non-slip surfaces are key to supporting mobility and independence. Flooring with a lower light reflectance value has a more matte finish which will reduce confusion for those with visual impairments who may perceive a shiny floor as slippery. Meanwhile, enhanced acoustic benefits will reduce ambient noise levels, helping individuals with hearing loss and so encourage socialising.
Pattern in flooring can be used to create visual differentiation which will help residents to identify where they are and support wayfinding. A combination of complementary designs or a single design in different laying patterns, with borders to define the edges of a space, can provide a subtle guide to orientation and direction.
Sunrise Senior Living case study featuring Mountain Oak in a small plank herringbone.
This design is also available in a full length plank.
Design flexibility is at the heart of our Karndean Living Collection, a range specifically curated for co-living spaces. Presenting a selection of beautiful neutral wood and subtle stone designs chosen for outstanding versatility, the Karndean Living Collection offers a breadth of design opportunity.
Available in a convenient choice of gluedown and rigid core formats, it is the natural choice for hard working interiors. Design options include blending straight lay with herringbone, combining wood and stone designs in adjoining spaces and introducing an iconic chevron pattern.