A pioneering 3600sq m development for the first purpose-built extra care facility in the Falkland Islands, was a huge favourite at the 2025 Structural Timber Awards and set a new benchmark for healthcare and assisted living for the Islands.
Designed by ONE Creative environments and providing a high-quality facility tailored to the needs of its residents, it features a low embodied carbon timber frame, using offsite manufacturing with precise and efficient production, minimising waste generation and reduced on-site construction in a remote location.
Commissioned by the Falkland Islands Government (FIG), Tussac House is the Islands’ first purpose-built vulnerable person extra care facility, redefining local care provision. The state-of-the-art facility is positioned on the coast of Stanley Harbour overlooking The Narrows. While construction began in 2022 and was initially expected to be complete by 2024, the project faced several delays due to COVID-19 and was officially opened in March 2025.
The construction of Tussac House was carried out by RSK Falklands Ltd on behalf of FIG. The single-storey building was constructed using a prefabricated panelised timber frame from Scotframe and features 27 apartments plus 10 single bedrooms with maximised sea views, assistive technology, and inclusive design supporting physical and cognitive needs. The village feel layout is safe, socially engaging and connected, with communal areas that can host community events and landscaped outdoor spaces, encouraging independence and group interaction.
Tussac House introduces a holistic care model and architectural innovation not previously seen in the overseas territory. The design utilises a timber frame design which is often used locally, reflecting a deep understanding of the location and a modern but familiar environment for residents, staff and visitors. The structural design, in tandem with biophilic design, targeted to improve people’s sensory experience of the space for both patients and visitors through exposing the timber wherever possible, to positively improve their physical, social and mental wellbeing.
An offsite premanufactured timber trussed roof was incorporated to provide the built forms of duo pitched roofs that emulate the local vernacular, whilst also being engineered in units for ease of containerised shipping and erection on-site, with minimal material wastage.
Combining UK best practice in healthcare design with deep cultural, environmental and site sensitivity, it reflects a true partnership with the Falkland Islands community.
The timber frame creates a warm, natural environment tailored to dementia patients, who are particularly responsive to sensory surroundings. The main entrance and communal atrium space utilised with large glulam portal frames clad with extremely durable Accoya timber cladding suited to the South Atlantic climate, enhancing the building’s calming, biophilic qualities.
The building integrates efficient, lowenergy systems designed for minimal environmental impact, through a fabric first design. For structural elements, a target was set of 201kgCO2e/m² – 60% of the 2030 LETI Residential Target. By the end of RIBA Stage 4, it had achieved 196kgCO2e/m², surpassing the original goal. Deconstruction is relatively straightforward due to the panelised construction solution.
Craig Walding, Director at ONE and their Architectural Lead in the Falkland Islands said: “This has been an incredible project working with a fantastic team on the islands. The design of Tussac House works in harmony with the local area while maximising the well-being potential of this wonderful location with stunning views across the harbour, beautifully landscaped external spaces as well as a highly sustainable, accessible new care facility. It has been a privilege to have delivered this project that will provide care and comfort for the islands’ local community now and for future generations.”
Despite logistical challenges of working in a remote location, the project was successfully delivered to the highest quality standards to meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and communication. Winning the Healthcare Project of the Year at the 2025 Structural Timber Awards, the facility will also free up capacity in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in Stanley, the Islands’ only hospital.
