Extra safety for extra care

A natural smoke ventilation system which combines automated smoke and heat extraction has been installed into Lawson House – a new independent living facility in Aylesford, Kent.

A total of 16 GEZE RWA 110 NT window actuators were installed in pairs throughout the corridors of the three-storey building which is managed by Rapport Housing & Care. These incorporate an electric spindle drive which is coupled with a mechanical locking mechanism.

Eight K600 retractable arm drives were installed for the activation of automated smoke shaft doors. The shafts support the ventilation of protected areas in buildings used for multiple occupation. Should fire break out, the smoke vents would activate to expel accumulating heat and smoke efficiently.

All the actuators have been connected to 14 THZ emergency power supplies which link into smoke detection devices around the development.

Lawson House, which was designed by the Essex office of the Tooley & Foster partnership, was developed for affordable rent with 20 of the 74, one- and two-bedroom apartments made available for military veterans.

Willis Architectural was commissioned to install the ventilation and safety system and identified the GEZE RWA 110 NT solution as being ideal for Lawson House’s requirements.

Extra care, which is often referred to as assisted living, enables over 55s to remain in their own homes for as long as possible within the community, whilst providing them with a degree of support, tailored to their individual needs.

A safe and secure environment is assisted with staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should an emergency arise. The apartments each have a kitchen, dining room, living room and en-suite accessible wetrooms. They are fitted with a call bell system and have provision for a phone line, terrestrial as well as satellite television.

Communal facilities include landscaped gardens, a restaurant with sunroom and terrace, lounge and seating areas including quiet areas, an activity room and a hair salon and therapy room.

Said Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK: “It is heartwarming to see good quality social housing being developed for older people in our communities that incorporate great facilities with good practice in respect of safety.

“We would like to welcome the residents of Lawson House to their new homes and hope that they will delight in the amenities and services on offer and enjoy the community which will create a sense of extended family.”

Jill Stanley, Housing Officer at Lawson House, added: “We are delighted that Lawson House has been so successful since opening its doors in September. The scheme is now full with a waiting list in place, and for those that live here, it has proven to be an incredibly positive move, even life-changing for some. We are looking forward to echoing this in our new similar developments.”