WORK is complete on the transformation of one of Kelso’s ‘most recognisable’ listed buildings into a new facility for extra care apartments.
Poynder Apartments provides 36 extra-care apartments for older people, complete with a range of communal facilities for use by tenants and their families, as well as the wider community.
The building dates back to 1878 and was formerly Kelso High School. In 1939, it underwent a rebuild to modernise the school with an art deco-inspired design being deployed. In 2019, the building was taken on by Eildon Housing Association to provide Kelso with ‘much needed’ extra care housing.
The Poynder Apartments consist of a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats, all with wheelchair access, onsite care, and support services. There is a restaurant where residents are provided with home-cooked meals, and garden areas for relaxation. The facility allows for residents to remain in Kelso and continue to live independently.
Aitken Turnbull led the design of the project, with local firm M & J Ballantye carrying out the works alongside structural and civil contractor Wardell Armstrong.
Ben Glennon, associate, Aitken Turnbull Architects, led the team which created the design strategy for the building and the adjacent ground. He commented, “The re-purposing of the former Kelso High School and its transformation into an exceptional facility continues our long-standing partnership with Eildon Housing Association added significant value to their project.”
Aitken Turnbull said its approach aimed to maintain the existing spaces and architectural features of the building such as the stairways and original stone features while stripping away later extensions and alterations and that detracted from the Art-deco style. Where alterations where required they were carried out sympathetically reflecting the original art deco style.
New double-glazed windows have been installed with much care taken in the detailing and specification to replicate the original art deco glazing pattens and proportions. New replacement render was selected with reference to original colour of the building.
High quality landscaping was part of the overall concept with existing trees and features retained in the new gardens to the front of the building. Poynder Apartments will be complimented by the development of mixed-tenure housing being construction within the school grounds creating a new and ‘vibrant’ Kelso community.
Electric heating has been used throughout to provide flexibility and zero carbon emissions at point of use. The site layout design discretely positions parking and service areas to the rear of the building.
