Casa di Lusso
Creating environments that support dignity, independence and connection
Client
Location
RIBA Work Stages
Services
Overview
Casa di Lusso is a specialist dementia care home in Bridgwater, Somerset, designed to provide an exceptional living environment for people living with dementia, nursing needs, learning disabilities and mental health conditions. Delivering 64 dementia nursing bedrooms and 24 assisted living suites, the development combines high-quality care provision with hospitality-inspired design to create a place that feels welcoming, familiar and supportive.
The vision was to move beyond traditional institutional care settings and create a community where residents can maintain independence, dignity and meaningful daily experiences within a safe and nurturing environment.
Designing for Dementia
The design of Casa di Lusso is rooted in a deep understanding of how the built environment can positively influence the lives of people living with dementia. Every aspect of the home has been carefully considered to support orientation, wayfinding, wellbeing and independence.
Bedrooms are arranged around smaller household-style communities, each centred on communal living, dining and activity spaces. This approach reduces the scale of the environment, encourages social interaction and helps residents feel part of a close-knit community rather than a large care institution.
Memory boxes positioned outside every bedroom provide personalised visual cues, while carefully selected colour contrasts, signage and interior finishes assist residents in navigating spaces confidently and independently.
Enhancing health and wellbeing
The home has been designed to support both physical and emotional wellbeing. All bedrooms are outward-facing and positioned to maximise views of the landscaped gardens, creating a strong connection with nature and the changing seasons.
A wide range of therapeutic and social spaces support meaningful daily activities, including libraries, life-skills kitchens, activity rooms, a cinema, hair and beauty salon, therapy suite and retro café. These environments provide opportunities for social engagement, reminiscence, learning and independence while helping residents maintain familiar routines and interests
Landscape as therapy
The landscape plays a fundamental role in the care experience. Large secure gardens have been specifically designed to support people living with dementia, providing safe opportunities for walking, gardening, relaxation and social interaction.
Sensory planting, accessible pathways, greenhouses and activity spaces encourage engagement with nature, while a unique on-site petting farm offers both visual and physical therapy. Interaction with animals promotes comfort, companionship and memory stimulation, creating valuable experiences for residents at all stages of care.
Supporting staff and families
Outstanding care environments require equally well-considered facilities for staff and visitors. Dedicated training spaces support ongoing professional development and dementia education, ensuring care teams are equipped to meet the complex needs of residents.
Visitors were also a key consideration throughout the design process. Family-friendly spaces, welcoming lounges, communal cafés and outdoor play areas help strengthen connections between generations and ensure visits remain enjoyable, comfortable and meaningful.
At a glance
Scale
Design
Sustainability
Wellbeing
Community
Impact
Shortlisted in
Dementia Care Development category