Archetech Issue 21 2015 | Page 112

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 Archetech - Page 112 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