Seating nooks and memory shelves: the welcoming family home embracing dementia-friendly design

The Guardian

2 days ago

Glaswegian retirees Jim McConnachie and Frances McChlery had always dreamed of building their own home with a waterside view, and had even toyed with buying a plot on Scotland's west coast. However, when McChlery's sister was diagnosed with young-onset dementia, they had to rethink their plans.
'The prospect and implications of supporting my sister-in-law became a key consideration,' says McConnachie, 'and we decided to build a home closer to the facilities of the city so she could live with us and be closer to extended family.'
McConnachie embarked on a tour of Scotland's lochs, but after making a pitstop at Comrie in Perthshire on a sunny day he passed a 'for sale' sign on the way out of the village that piqued his interest.
'Looking at the cottage from the street it was tiny and worn, but to the rear was a lovely south-facing garden that backs on to the River Earn,' says McConnachie. Excited, he brought McChlery and her sister for a viewing. They both saw potential in the property and were charmed by the bustling village with its valley views and thriving community.
Last used as a dental surgery, the 18th-century cottage didn't have any insulation and suffered from water damage and structural decay. McConnachie, who trained as an architect, embraced the challenge of transforming it into a warm and adaptable home that could also accommodate extended family. 'We wanted the house to remain flexible and welcoming as a family hub, while also ensuring Frances's sister felt safe, independent and engaged,' he says.
McConnachie sought guidance from architecture firm Loader Monteith on maximising the layout, navigating conservation area restrictions and incorporating dementia-friendly design principles. For example, accessible kitchen shelving to allow her sister to navigate the space with some independence and open views through living spaces, so she feels connected but not surveilled.
'The floorplan was very deep,' says director Matt Loader, 'so we split the ground floor into three sections so it didn't feel like you were in one long corridor.' He wanted to respect the 'honesty' of the original cottage, so the front two rooms were maintained as cosy living spaces, each with its own fireplace and lime-plastered walls.
The kitchen is at the heart of the home, with a small courtyard – affectionately named the 'sit-ootery' – providing a sheltered spot for morning coffee. 'The relationship between Frances and her sister is rooted in cooking, baking and gardening, so the kitchen and its connection to the outside spaces was key,' adds Loader.
A defining feature is the marble-topped island, crafted from a piece of stone passed down through the family. As both sisters are short, 'the island was set low to allow Frances's sister to help with baking and food preparation, which is an important occupational therapy', says McConnachie.
Within the new double-height extension at the rear is a generous living area and dining space overlooking the garden and riverside beyond. The views are framed by a huge picture window and a perforated pergola, which shelters the concrete bench below while letting dappled sunlight through.
Seating 'neuks' are a recurring theme; upstairs is a thoughtfully positioned window seat surrounded by shelves displaying 'memory anchors'. Loader says: 'Housing artefacts that hold historical significance can help those with Alzheimer's recognise that this is their home, and it's important to retain that sense of familiarity.'
McChlrey's sister's living quarters have been sensitively designed to cater for her needs without making it feel at odds with the rest of the house. The upstairs landing also includes a small servery, complete with sink and washing machine, that is designed to facilitate social interaction while also aiding practical care. Her bedroom is light and tranquil, with a dual aspect looking out to the hills beyond, while the couple's master suite also benefits from stunning countryside views.
The house's pared-back aesthetic belies the forethought that has gone into this project to ensure it continues to meet the couple's needs. For example, on the ground floor, the front of the cottage is currently a home office on one side and a sitting room on the other, each with full-width sliding doors and sofa beds so they can be transformed into sleeping spaces when family visit or permanently if need be later.
One of the biggest benefits of the layout, McChlery has discovered, is its 'intervisibility', allowing her to keep an eye on her sister without making her feel she is under supervision. 'The deterioration of people with Alzheimer's isn't predictable,' says McConnachie. 'The best-laid plans to leave clear space and simple-to-use facilities to allow for independence can be quickly taken over by the continuing onset of the condition, so it's worth allowing space for supervised sharing tasks.' McConnachie ensured they left room for the introduction of fittings such as stair lifts and bathroom aids, as well as planning a simple and level route through the house – you can get from the front door to the garden without a step.
'Caring for another adult with dementia is very difficult emotionally and physically – the grief and injustice are always in the back of your mind,' adds McChlery. 'Everything about this house helps – it provides a beautiful and safe space that enables us all to be at home for as long as possible.'