Coffey Architects complete later living housing community in Surrey – ADC

In Cobham, just inside the M25 motorway in Surrey, Coffey Architects as completed a new later living community for developer Pegasus. The new community replaces an office building from the 1980s that had been deemed unfit for residential retrofit, and comprises 53 apartments of which have been arranged in blocks rising to three storeys high, surrounding a walled garden.

Care has been taken to ensure each unit is well lit, providing bright, open living spaces that make the most of natural light and scenic views into the garden and Cobham Village. Each unit is dual aspect, with balconies or terraces and oversized windows found in every apartment, with this design ethos being carried through into the generous circulation spaces which are similarly bathed in daylight and able to be naturally ventilated. All this feeds into a passive approach that prioritises airtightness and low U-values, working with brick, tile, and locally sourced flint, to further a simple approach to construction that ensures sustainable durability.

Known as Cobham Bowers, the project has been built for individuals and couples transitioning from their family homes to a later living community. With this in mind, the development aims to instil the sense of community associated with English villages, like Cobham itself, twinning this with the appeal of village gardens.

The development’s walled garden found at Cobham Bowers is a nod to the historic Painshill Garden, a nearby esteemed 18^th century garden, and serves as a defining feature in the development. Nestled between two residential structures, this secluded courtyard is lined with local flint akin to the Painshill Garden Pavilion.

Inviting residents in, the outdoor sanctuary fosters a sense of community through thriving vegetation and shared seating. The garden boasts an illuminated entrance pavilion, creating an inviting threshold for residents and guests while distinguishing itself from the separate, private residences. Inside the pavilion, a multi-functional communal space allows residents to enjoy with neighbours, accommodating for various activities such as group dinners, coffee chats, yoga sessions, or celebratory gatherings.

“Placing the comfort and well-being of the residents at the forefront, we ensured that every aspect of the design exudes beauty without compromise,” Phil Coffey, director at Coffey Architects, said in statement. “It has been a true joy to bring this vision to life, celebrating the spirit of togetherness and creating a place that residents can proudly call home. Our team at Coffey found great delight in collaborating once again with Pegasus, as we strived to create a remarkable development that aligns seamlessly with our shared values.”