The Little Sisters of the Poor have now occupied the site at 9 Tweed St, Herne Bay for over one hundred years. In the late 1990’s the Sisters embarked upon a major redevelopment of the site. A new home was to be provided that would enable the Sisters to continue their work, caring for the elderly poor in the community.
Klein won this commission with their design for the overall site masterplan.
The Home is comprised of three wings, with administrative and service cores located along the Tweed Street frontage. Two of the wings accommodate, the highly dependent aged and the dependent aged, all of whom have their own room with adjoining ensuite. In Stage Two independent living apartments were built for elderly people who wish to live close by the house community with contact at their discretion.
As part of maintaining the Sisters’ role in the local community a number of community areas were also incorporated into the new building such as a new multi-Purpose Hall, and Day-Stay and Respite Care Facilities. Along with a Physiotherapists Consult Room, a Hairdresser’s Salon, a shop, day-stay lounges
and Dining Rooms. Resident’s Community Lounge Rooms were located at the end of wings, at the north end of the building, taking advantage of views over the harbour.
The Chapel, the spiritual heart of the community, has been located centrally within the complex both to emphasise its significance to the community and to maximise ease of access for all residents.