Eltheto Housing and Healthcare
Complex 2by4-architects
In the small town of Rijssen 2by4-
housing program that one would find in a
has become a major issue among elderly,
architects designed the new healthcare
suburb. They are open and social housing
especially if one of the partners has
and housing complex ‘Eltheto’ for elderly
blocks where the main focus is on the
passed away.
people. Until recently elderly people were
quality of life and staying part of the
seen as a group that functions outside
social context. For the less independent
Eltheto’s goal is to keep elderly part of
of modern society and are only in need
inhabitants the housing program is
modern life and society by providing the
of care. The contemporary healthcare
adjusted according to their needs, but still
right healthcare and housing that fits
centers and housing for elderly people are
the focus on quality of life remains.
their current needs. If their needs will
change they are able to receive health
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still designed according to his idea. Over
the past decennia this resulted in a range
The focus of the design comes from a life
care at home or move to one of the other
of introvert buildings where the main
style research that looks at the different
Eltheto buildings that are designed to
focus is healthcare instead of the quality
needs and characteristics of elderly. Part
provide more specialized health care. This
of life itself.
of the research indicates that if elderly
way they can stay home longer and when
have to move away from their life style,
they eventually need to move they’ll stay
For Eltheto 2by4-architects inverted
in order to receive health care, their life
within the same neighbourhood.
this concept and separated the housing
expectancy will decrease. They become
and healthcare program. The housing
less mobile, more dependant and
The 4 housing blocks at the Eltheto
program functions like a particular
eventually socially isolated. Loneliness
complex provide housing for