Cordale Housing Association, Dunbartonshire

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Knightsbridge Furniture In Demand at ‘Extra-Care’ Facility

Seating and tables to enhance the conservatory, dining, community and reception areas within a new facility for older and vulnerable people are central to a contract just awarded to Knightsbridge Furniture by the West Dunbartonshire-based Cordale Housing Association.

The ‘extra-care’ facility is sited within the village of Renton, some 30km north-west of Glasgow. Housing in Renton and the surrounding Vale of Leven is undergoing substantial re-development by Cordale Housing Association with the aim of catalysing social change and thereby addressing issues like health, low education expectations and high levels of unemployment. In line with the need to maintain a mixed community, the development programme has a commitment to include provision for the frail and elderly, helping them to sustain independent lifestyles within a sheltered environment.

Supported by a team of visiting care workers, Renton’s ‘extra-care’ facility is home to 40 residents aged between 50 and 90, with two additional bedrooms for guests. Glasgow-based architects Campbell & Morris Associates had two priorities when considering furniture for the centre – quality and durability – and worked with Colin Smith, Maintenance Officer with Cordale Housing Association, in selecting and specifying seating and tables from the Knightsbridge Care portfolio.

For the conservatory, chairs and twin settees from the Knightsbridge Hawaii range were specified. Exuding a distinctly relaxed and colourful feel, Hawaii is based upon a strong lattice-work frame in a natural cane finish, complemented by plump cushions in tropical shades. Key features for the elderly and infirm include a supportive high back to provide optimum head support and wide, sturdy arms to facilitate independent rising.

In the communal lounge areas, the sleek curves of Knightsbridge Melrose chairs in high back and wing-style configurations are complemented by Malham coffee tables, with Melrose club chairs and Balerno coffee tables in a natural wood finish ensuring a welcoming ambience in the reception. Further examples from the Knightsbridge Care portfolio feature in the dining room, where Balerno tables team with Kilbride upright armchairs fitted with skids for maximum strength and manoeuvrability.

Throughout the project, the furniture combines a timeless elegance with clean, contemporary lines, and incorporates such features as comfortable waterfall seats and seat-back capping rails to protect exposed upholstery and ensure lasting design appeal.