Over the last two years Aria has changed a lot. New furniture, brighter colours, more of the natural world brought indoors through biophilic design, better technology behind the scenes, and new energy-efficient windows in every bedroom and en-suite. There's more on the way, and a few things we're especially looking forward to.
Air conditioning throughout the home
We're tendering now to install air conditioning throughout Aria.
Once it's in, the next heatwave looks very different. The home stays at a comfortable temperature, residents can rest and enjoy their afternoon in the cool, and the team can keep everyone safe and well while they work.
The same units work in winter too. They can hold a room at a comfortable temperature without us relying solely on radiators, which also means using less energy to keep the home warm.
Lighting that follows the day
In the lounge, we're installing smart lighting that follows true daylight.
Through the morning and middle of the day the room is bright and lively. From late afternoon, the light eases gradually into a softer, warmer evening, in step with the body's natural circadian rhythm. Our bodies take their cue from light, and a gentle wind-down as the evening comes on helps lift mood and supports wellbeing in the hours before bed.
For residents, it will feel much like sitting by a window as the day turns: bright when it's time to be up and about, calmer as the evening settles in.
A closer eye on light, sound and air
Research shows that the everyday environment shapes how people feel, in body and in mood. So we're taking a more deliberate approach to monitoring three things around the home: light levels, sound, and carbon dioxide in the air.
Measuring them properly lets us keep each room at its best, so residents have the light they need, the calm they deserve and fresh air to breathe, for their physical and emotional wellbeing alike.
A new dementia care initiative
We're also preparing something bigger. It's a major new dementia care initiative, built on the latest research carried out around the world.
We'll share the details once it's ready. Residents and families will hear all about it from us directly, and we'll be following its progress closely over the next few years, so we can see what it brings to daily life here.
Come and see
Much of what we've done over the last two years is already here to see, and these next steps build on it. If you'd like to look round, meet the team and hear more about what's coming, we'd love to show you.
