At the ‘Iorwerth Jones’ site in Cardiff, twenty new homes have been expertly delivered on site by Hale Construction. A mix of 2, 3 and 4 beds all homes across the scheme are designed to meet the requirements of the Cardiff Design Standard, Lifetime Homes, and Welsh Government’s Development Quality Requirements.
The design brings an innovative approach to difficult site conditions where several boundaries needed addressing with active frontages. The result is a characterful scheme which is outward facing in all directions. Each property has been designed with a fabric first approach to ensure its energy performance – exceeding current Welsh Building Regulations, and all properties achieve EPC A. Heating and hot water in the houses is via an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) which will help lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The success of the project was the result of the design teams’ collaborative working with the Cardiff Council .
RSAW Welsh Architecture Award – Shortlisted
Our RIBA MacEwen Award Winning project, Severn View Park Care Home, has been shortlisted in the RSAW Welsh Architecture Award 2026. Together with our Iorwerth Jones affordable housing project we are delighted to have 2 of the 6 shortlisted projects this year.
The project aimed to redefine how dementia care environments are designed and delivered, providing 24 long-term residential care bedrooms for individuals with dementia and 8 short-term rooms for respite and rehabilitation care. Developed by Monmouthshire County Council, the project was completed by Lovell in Spring of 2024. The design promotes freedom of movement, engagement with nature, social stimulation and the redefining of traditional staff roles. The facility is divided into four distinct households, each providing a domestic, non-institutional atmosphere where residents, staff, and visitors actively contribute to daily activities without barriers.
The architectural design is central to the care approach, with single-storey accommodations, direct access to sensory gardens, and a ‘village hall’ for communal and community use. The courtyard garden is fundamental to the home. Access is easy and unobstructed, and the garden provides a wealth of experiences including sensory exploration, planting and gardening, communal activity, all focused on connection and engagement. The household and the garden work together to provide a sense of familiarity and strong emotional resonance, helping residents maintain independence.
The project reflects a shift towards wellbeing through freedom, focusing on residents’ quality of life through spatial design. Bedrooms exceed minimum size requirements, feature large L-shaped windows for unobstructed outdoor views, and include cozy visitor seating. Regular workshops with care staff contributed to the design, addressing the significant challenges of transforming traditional care models. The care home creates a balance between independence and safety, enhancing residents’ physical and emotional well-being, while also positively impacting staff practices.