Exeter’s pioneering Edwards Court extra care facility wins top design award
Published: 3 November 2023
The city’s pioneering extra care facility Edwards Court has won a top national award for the quality of its design.
Edwards Court is the first Extra Care facility in the city and the first one in the UK to be built and certified to the super energy efficient Passivhaus standard.
Building designer Architype won the award Best Mental Health/Dementia Care Development for Edwards Court at the 2023 Building Better Healthcare Awards ceremony in central London.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the awards recognise innovation in the healthcare sector. The awards were judged by a 12-strong panel of industry leaders.
Edwards Court, in Millbrook Lane, off Topsham Road, was opened last year and currently has around 50 residents.
The facility was funded by Exeter City Council and is run in partnership with Devon County Council and Radis Community Care.
The building, named after former City Council Leader Pete Edwards, includes communal facilities and services including a lounge, dining area and garden, well-being suite and roof terrace.
Extra care gives residents the opportunity to live independently whilst having an in-house care provider on site and 24 hour staffing for any emergencies.
It combines accommodation with care and support services for people aged 55 and over and has incorporated new design thinking that aligns better with the requirements of elderly life, placing strong focus on community and companionship.
Cllr Barbara Denning, Lead Councillor for Council Housing, said: “This is not the first award Edwards Court has won and I am delighted that the quality of this amazing building has again been recognised in this way.
“We are all very proud of what has been achieved at Edwards Court. It really is a fantastic facility which offers great care for residents in a wonderful setting.
“It provides residents with purpose-built homes and the flexibility and independence to live well, while also having access to care at all times should they need it.”
Following the announcement Architype said: “Very excited to have won this award and what it means for better Passivhaus healthcare environments in the future - congratulations to the whole team.”