Dee View Court, Sue Ryder’ Neurological Care Centre in Kincorth, Aberdeen is Scotland’s only purpose-built neurological centre providing care and support for residential patients and temporary respite and outreach support for others with degenerative life-changing conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Completed in November 2019 by Architects JDDK, the £3.5 million refurbishment project increased the residential bed space from 22 to 42 beds providing an enormous improvement in the National waiting list.

The existing 22 bed single storey building was based on the concept of six self-contained ‘houses’ with en-suite single bedrooms and a communal ‘house’ lounge and kitchen. An enabling contract initially converted these lounge / kitchens into an additional en suite bedroom to the majority of the ‘houses, whilst an additional a single storey 4-bed bedroom extension was added as part of the main contract together with and a new two storey annex linked to the existing building by a glazed corridor.

The new annex accommodates seven high dependency en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor with a further six supported living units on the first floor, allowing independent living for residents but with the security of support from the centre if required, as well as much needed ancillary staff accommodation. As the building is set into an existing sloping bank it appears as a low-lying single storey building from the surrounding residential properties with the two-storey element facing an enclosed landscaped courtyard. Large patio doors provide access into the gardens on to the ground floor bedrooms in the courtyard as well as the first-floor independent units, creating light airy spaces with a connection to the outside.

Construction work was carried by CHAP Group (Aberdeen) Ltd who were instrumental in ensuring a fully operational neurological care centre, providing minimal disruption to existing residents in their day-to-day life.