Arcadis’ Senior Living & Care team has worked closely with Bracknell Forest Council, providing specialist architectural and inclusive design expertise for the project, drawing on extensive experience in supported housing, extra care housing and later living environments. The team focuses on creating person-centred, future-ready places that promote independence, wellbeing, accessibility and social connection, while delivering long-term value for clients, residents and communities.
Bridgewell Supported Living Bridging a new generation of supported housing in Berkshire
A complete Inspirational Achievement
A home designed around the needs of adults with additional needs. Completed in September 2025, Bridgewell Supported Living replaces accommodation that no longer met tenants’ mobility, independence or future needs. Some previous homes had upstairs bedrooms without lift access and bathrooms that had become increasingly difficult to use. Bracknell Forest Council commissioned Bridgewell to provide accessible, future-ready homes where adults with additional needs can remain within their local community, close to family and friends, while enjoying the rights and responsibilities that come with having their own home.
Independence, privacy and companionship. Bridgewell comprises four self-contained households, each accommodating five tenants. Every tenant has a private bedroom and en-suite shower room, while shared kitchens, lounges and dining areas create opportunities for companionship and everyday social contact. Some rooms also include kitchenettes, offering further choice and autonomy. This small-household model balances privacy with connection and supports tenants to develop and maintain practical living skills in a welcoming domestic setting.
Positive outcomes for tenants and families
Since moving in, tenants have experienced greater independence, confidence, wellbeing and quality of life. They have more control over their daily routines and can access outdoor spaces independently. The accessible layout allows everyday activities to be carried out more comfortably and with less reliance on others. Families have also reported increased confidence as they see relatives enjoying greater freedom in their own homes while remaining connected to familiar people and places.
A stronger sense of belonging
The scheme has created more opportunities for companionship and meaningful interaction. Shared celebrations, gardening and everyday use of communal spaces encourage participation, inclusion and a sense of belonging. Where appropriate, tenants can independently visit friends living in other households. This helps strengthen relationships and build confidence, particularly for people whose previous accommodation offered limited opportunities for social connection.
Designed for changing needs
The building supports long-term independence and adaptability through spacious accessible living areas, wide corridors, lifts, assisted bathrooms and ceiling hoists where required. Tenants no longer need to negotiate stairs as part of daily life. Clear wayfinding, natural light, visual contrast and carefully considered layouts also support neurodiversity by helping to reduce confusion, stress and sensory overload.
Nature and wellbeing
Accessible gardens provide space for walking, relaxation, gardening and sensory stimulation. Raised planters and sensory planting support participation, while ground-floor lounges open directly onto the gardens to encourage easy movement between indoors and outdoors. A sensory rooftop garden provides another place for relaxation and social connection. Native planting and habitat creation also help support biodiversity.
Preventative value for public services
By providing homes that genuinely meet people’s needs, Bridgewell helps tenants remain settled locally and reduces the likelihood of future accommodation moves, unplanned interventions or increased support requirements. Feedback from the Community Nursing Team included a review in which a tenant’s wellbeing had improved to the point that there were no ongoing nursing requirements at that time. This illustrates the contribution that well-designed supported living can make to stability and wellbeing.
A sustainable model for supported living
Bridgewell achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A. Its gas-free design incorporates air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels, combining environmental responsibility with lower running costs and long-term resilience. By bringing together person-centred design, accessibility, social connection and sustainability, Bridgewell provides far more than accommodation. It gives people a home and demonstrates how modern supported living can enable greater choice, dignity and independence while delivering lasting value for the wider community.
Why it is so inspiring
“Bridgewell demonstrates the positive impact that thoughtful, person-centred design can have on people’s lives. By creating accessible homes that promote independence, choice and social connection, the scheme enables tenants to live with greater confidence while remaining part of their local community. It is a powerful example of how high-quality supported living can improve wellbeing and deliver lasting social value.”
Maarit Heinonen-Smith, Associate Principal and Senior Living & Care Lead, Arcadis
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