Watts collaborates with RWP

Natalie Laybourn is a building surveyor at Watts, and has been working in the built environment for around 15 years, starting her career in residential property management. Natalie along with the Watts Building surveying team assess buildings, prepare design proposals and coordinate consultants. They will ensure that refurbishment works meet regulatory requirements, quality standards, and most importantly the needs of the end users.

Here Natalie talks about how the Watts team contribute to creating safe, functional, and welcoming homes for tenants. Watts work closely with RWP on developing designs for supported living homes that balance safety with comfort and independence. Alongside RWP, Watts works with a multi-disciplinary team, to carry out design reviews and building assessments to ensure that the needs of the tenants will be met.

Working with RWP

“Watts has been working with RWP on supported living schemes since 2019, building a strong partnership and developing a deep understanding of its operational and tenant requirements.

"Each project has its own unique requirements, but they all share the same goal; to care safe, functional, and welcoming homes for tenants. Working on multiple schemes with RWP has allowed us to build on previous experience, refining our approach to design, compliance, and tenant needs while strengthening the partnership between our teams.

Working on an RWP refurbishment

“The recent refurbishment of an RWP property in Rochdale began with a detailed assessment of the existing building to understand where it could be adapted to provide a safe, robust, supported living environment. This scheme needed to be designed to an anti-ligature specification, and because of this, we reviewed every element, from fittings and fixtures to window and door hardware. This ensured the property would have minimal risks whilst still feeling homely and non-institutional.

“Working closely with RWP and the wider project team including the NHS and the supporting living provider, we developed a design that balanced safety with comfort and independence. We approached the project by listening to and implementing RWP’s operational requirements and the specific needs of future tenants. The design responded to the tenant’s needs through technical expertise and thoughtful planning.

“Regular design review meetings helped us ensure that every detail aligned with RWP’s operational requirements, regulatory expectations, and the needs of the future tenants. RWP’s insight into tenant needs was essential in shaping the final design. Clear communication, a shared vision, and the construction team’s high standard of delivery were key in making this project a success. Everyone involved understood the importance of creating a high-quality supported living environment.

Successful partnership working 

“On every project, we work with a multi-disciplinary team. Alongside RWP, this typically includes structural and mechanical and electrical engineers, planning consultants, contractors, and specialist suppliers. We also engage with local authorities, care teams, and where possible, representatives who understand the needs of future tenants. This joined up approach ensures the finished property is functional, safe, and welcoming.

Accessibility and adaptations for tenants

“We are currently in the design stage of a new scheme with RWP, which is focused on meeting the needs of tenants with complex needs. The layout, finishes, and fittings are being designed to reduce sensory overload, with careful consideration of lighting, acoustics, privacy, colours, textures, and materials. The property will undergo modifications including extensions and the installation of dormer roofs to support the design requirements. Dormer roofs involve a structure that projects vertically from a sloped roof and often features a window.

“Accessibility and comfort are key considerations, with clear paths for people to move around the building, temperature regulation, and quiet or retreat areas designed to support both tenants’ independence and the practical needs of staff assisting them. Our mechanical and electrical (M&E) team is closely involved in the design, ensuring that systems such as heating, lighting, and ventilation are tailored to these requirements.

“The design also includes future provisions for features such as a hoist and electrical vehicle charging points, ensuring the home can continue to meet tenants’ needs as they change over time.”