Rosehip House in Islington, North London, was commended in the Healthcare category at ATLAS25 – the Secured-by-Design Awards.
Providing supported living for 11 adults with learning disabilities, Rosehip House reportedly comprises of seven modern one-bedroom flats and a four-home pod where residents who need greater support live together with a shared kitchen and dining space.
Located in the heart of the community, the development is said to offer not only safe and secure housing, but also the opportunity for residents to live independent and fulfilling lives in their local area.
The scheme was reportedly designed in partnership with Islington’s Adult Social Care team and the Learning Disability Partnership.
From its inception DOCOs (Designing out Crime Officers) from the Metropolitan Police, Steve Downing and Ellen Ramasawmy, were said to have played a key role in the development and its success.
The first challenge, according to the company was the location itself – a former dilapidated car park with disused garages which was heavily linked to crime and anti-social behaviour.
The DOCOs had to ensure they created a safe, secure environment for vulnerable adults with complex needs without them become targets in an area known for criminal activity.
The team also reportedly faced the task of creating a set of welcoming homes that promoted a sense of wellbeing and calm while balancing operational requirements and incorporating stringent safeguarding measurements for the residents.
The DOCOs articulated that it was also critical that the facility was easy for residents with learning disabilities to navigate and wasn’t too overbearing.
Working closely with the local planning officer and the design team and building contractor, Rooff, DOCOs Downing and Ramasawmy proposed some significant changes to the original design to help meet this challenge.
The DOCOs reportedly implemented secure ‘onion layering’ throughout the scheme – a security approach where multiple layers of protection are used like the layers of an onion. If one layer is breached there is another secure layer inside.
The result is a system of multiple secure primary and secondary doors before the building can be entered, followed by a secure outer boundary and further controlled access to the rear and side entrances.
