Courtney Jade Taylor - MA Interiors
Arcove
ArcoVe – Regenerative Wellbeing and Care Centre
ArcoVe reimagines the historic Accrington Victoria Hospital as a regenerative wellbeing and care centre, transforming the site into a community-focused hub that prioritises mental health, inclusivity, and sustainable design. The project is rooted in research into Accrington’s heritage, natural forms, and precedents in intergenerational design, drawing particular inspiration from the acorn as a symbol of growth and resilience. Its curved geometries also reference elements of local architecture, including the town’s 1969 “space-age” public toilets.
The ground floor was carefully planned as a multifunctional environment, providing access to health services, sensory retreat rooms, a communal café, and inclusive social seating. The first floor was dedicated to families, with soft play furniture inspired by acorn-like forms to encourage creativity, movement, and wellbeing. Intergenerational engagement was central to the design, with opportunities for school workshops, creative sessions, and community events integrated throughout.
Sustainability was a key focus, with furniture sourced from Frövi for its FSC®-certified timber, environmentally responsible production, and low-VOC finishes. The project also explored model-making and digital prototyping, including a 3D-printed children’s play structure inspired by organic forms.
Ultimately, ArcoVe celebrates Accrington’s past while supporting its future, creating a place of care, shelter, and belonging for generations to come.
