The project allows two nursing homes, Cysoing and Templeuve-en-Pévèle, to be regrouped at a single site, with two buildings housing 88 beds, making it possible to streamline the buildings’ footprint.
Reduced impact on land and preservation of water resources
Soil sealing operations are reduced, and the presence of open ground and the planting of local and resistant species have been favoured on site. In addition, site crews did not use piles and applied soil reinforcement techniques. The absence of underground parking and the installation of grassed paved parking areas also help to reduce land artificilisation.
Rainwater runoff collection pits have been set up along with pumps, to recover rainwater used for watering the landscaped areas.
This global performance contract, including the design, construction and operations and maintenance services for a period of 5 years, made it possible to better integrate the concept of sober energy use in the operation, maintenance and servicing phases.
By associating upstream the design teams with the teams responsible for the execution of the works and the facility’s operation, unlike conventional project management contracts, the consortium was able to be more proactive in developing the most innovative solutions best suited to the project’s characteristics, across the entire lifespan of the building. For example, Eiffage Construction Nord offered a more energy-efficient solution for the building’s heat production systems, in order to optimise investment costs while at the same time reducing operating costs.
Generational diversity and social inclusion
Additionally, in order to promote the optimal integration of the project into the urban fabric of the local area, i.e. close to the town centre and public facilities already connected with the Cysoing nursing home site (e.g. nurseries, schools and secondary schools), a site was selected at the junction between a business park and various community facilities (football pitch, schools, etc.)
The outdoor spaces have been designed as an extension of the building itself and are arranged in a series of themed flower and vegetable gardens, shared between the residents and people in the local area. These outdoor spaces provide a place to meet and enjoy the environment, and contribute to the therapeutic dimension of the nursing home, enabling residents to spend time “outside the walls” in contact with nature.
The project therefore aims to be both open to the city and intergenerational, promoting multi-functional use and social inclusiveness, with:
– a rear pathway leading into the city,
– the integration of a play area for children in the rear garden of the nursing home, to encourage contact between elderly residents and the local population,
– communal allotments located in the nursing home’s garden.
Care of the most vulnerable
The facility focuses on supporting its residents’ dependency needs but also maintaining their social life, offering a new pathway in terms of housing for the elderly population of the Cysoing area.
Maintaining full autonomy at any age does not necessarily equate with staying in the same accommodation. Walk-in showers, light paths, ergonomic equipment, domestic automation, etc. – there are many new types of tools and equipment that can prove necessary after a certain age, in order to be able to continue living well in the community, “at home”.
Far from the image conjured up by the traditional “hospice”, EPHAD nursing homes have evolved over many years to become more human-centred. Staff are trained to care for residents who are sometimes highly dependent and who may have Alzheimer-type pathologies or senile dementia. As part of the Alzheimer’s living unit (UVA) at the Cysoing nursing home, an external pathway has been installed to allow residents to walk around in complete safety (see illustration below).