Town Thorns Care Home, Rugby - Case Study
A considered approach to accessibility, space optimisation, and care-led design
Town Thorns Care Home in Easenhall, Rugby, has undergone a £4.3 million refurbishment, transforming the facility into a contemporary, high-quality residential care environment. Completed in 2023, the redevelopment delivers 44 fully refurbished ensuite bedrooms alongside a range of communal amenities, including a roof terrace garden, bistro, salon, shop, and multifunctional hall.
Delivered by Stepnell on behalf of BEN—an automotive industry charity—the scheme places accessibility, dignity, and spatial efficiency at the heart of its design strategy.
Image Source : Ben Care
Designing for accessibility without compromise
In care environments, doorways are more than thresholds—they are critical points of interaction that can either enable or restrict movement. Traditional hinged doors often present challenges: their swing arc can obstruct circulation routes, create hazards for partially sighted residents, and complicate use for wheelchair users.
To address these issues, 44 ECLISSE sliding pocket door systems were specified throughout the bedroom ensuites. By eliminating the need for a door swing, the systems maximise usable floor area and support more flexible, efficient room layouts—an essential consideration in care settings where space directly impacts usability and comfort.
Seamless movement and safer environments
The top-hung design of the pocket door systems removes the need for a floor track or threshold strip, allowing for continuous flooring throughout. This not only enhances visual cohesion but also reduces trip hazards and improves overall circulation—particularly important for residents with reduced mobility.
Generous clear opening dimensions (850mm width x 2302mm height) further support ease of access, accommodating both wheelchair users and care staff assisting residents.
Integrating hoist systems with architectural design
A key requirement within the scheme was the integration of ceiling track hoists to support safe and dignified resident handling. In rooms where hoists are installed, the track must pass uninterrupted between bedroom and bathroom—typically a challenge when specifying door systems.
Image Source : Ben Care
ECLISSE UK’s patented Hoist Pocket Door System resolves this by allowing the hoist track to pass seamlessly through the door opening without compromising performance or accessibility. This enables:
- Smooth, uninterrupted transfer of residents between spaces
- Reduced physical strain on care staff
- Enhanced safety and comfort for residents
Crucially, the solution achieves this while maintaining the spatial and functional benefits of a pocket door—something not easily realised with traditional hinged alternatives.
The project successfully integrates 44 hoist-compatible pocket door systems, aligning architectural design with the operational demands of modern care environments. The result is a scheme that balances clinical functionality with a refined, residential feel—supporting both caregivers and residents through thoughtful design interventions.
- Product: 44 pocket door systems
- Location: Easenhall, Rugby, CV23 0JE
- Construction Specialist: Stepnell
- Architect: KWL Architects
- Development: 44 refurbished ensuite bedrooms plus communal facilities
- Completion: 2023
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