Ark Housing Association Welcomes Danish Delegation: A Shared Vision for ‘Homes for Life’

Last month, Ark Housing Association had the honour of hosting a delegation of Danish housing professionals, many from Himmerland Housing Association based in Aalborg. This visit was an exciting opportunity to showcase our latest work and exchange ideas with international peers committed to delivering high-quality, adaptable housing. Central to the discussions was the concept of ‘Homes for Life’—the focus of Scottish Housing Day 2024—a theme that resonates deeply with both Ark and our Danish counterparts.

The delegation toured several Ark developments, including our recently completed development at Crusader Rise in Livingston, as well as meeting staff and seeing the impact of our supported living services at our Quartermile and Southhouse developments in Edinburgh. This cross-border exchange highlighted the shared goals between our organisations and the importance of creating sustainable, inclusive homes that truly support people throughout their lives.

Crusader Rise: A Model for Adaptable Supported Living

A key highlight of the Danish delegation’s visit was their tour of our Crusader Rise development in Livingston. This 20-unit development, which includes six fully adapted supported living flats, was designed with Ark’s ethos of ‘Homes for Life’ at its core. The delegation was impressed by the thoughtful, future-proofed design of the flats, which are tailored to meet the needs of individuals requiring additional support, such as those with physical disabilities or complex care needs.

At Crusader Rise, our commitment to trust and respect was evident in every detail. The fully accessible homes provide tenants with the flexibility and independence they deserve, allowing them to remain in their homes even as their needs evolve. By incorporating assistive technologies, spacious layouts, and safety features, Ark ensures that our tenants can live with dignity, security, and a sense of ownership over their homes—an approach that was appreciated by the Danish visitors.

The focus on creating homes that adapt over time aligns with both Ark’s values and the Danish housing sector’s emphasis on long-term, sustainable living. The delegation expressed admiration for our approach to building trust with tenants by ensuring that their homes are designed to support them for the long haul, regardless of changing circumstances.

 

Learning from the Danish Experience

Himmerland Housing Association and other Danish organisations represented during the visit are well known for their innovative approaches to housing, particularly in creating sustainable, community-focused developments. The delegation brought valuable insights from Denmark’s success in fostering social inclusion and energy-efficient housing, sparking discussions about how Ark might incorporate similar strategies into our future projects.

Ark were able to show our approach to supported living, recognising Ark’s leadership in creating homes that prioritise both independence and care. The adaptable, person-centred design of our developments is a key part of this, and it resonated strongly with the visitors. Our shared commitment to understanding the individual needs of tenants, and ensuring that housing solutions respect those needs, was a common theme throughout their tour.

Visiting Quartermile and Southhouse: Meeting Ark’s Support Staff

In addition to the visit to Crusader Rise, the Danish delegation had the opportunity to visit Ark’s Quartermile and Southhouse developments in Edinburgh, where they met with Ark’s dedicated support staff and learned more about our day-to-day services.

At Quartermile, located in the heart of Edinburgh, the delegation was introduced to the vibrant supported living community we have developed within a modern, urban setting. Here, Ark’s values of equality and integrity were particularly evident, as the visitors saw how we support individuals with complex needs to live independently in high-quality, well-connected homes. The Danish professionals were impressed by the commitment to ensuring that everyone has equal access to the services and opportunities they need to thrive.

Meanwhile, at Southhouse, the delegation met with staff who provide direct support to tenants living in our specialised supported living flats and autism unit. This visit highlighted Ark’s commitment to providing care that is flexible and responsive, tailored to the individual needs of our tenants. The support staff at Southhouse exemplified

Ark’s values of understanding and respect in their day-to-day work, ensuring that tenants are treated with dignity and can live as independently as possible.

The delegation praised Ark’s holistic approach to supported living, noting the integrity with which our staff approach their work. This integrity is reflected in every aspect of our services, from the design of our homes to the personalised care we provide.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The visit from the Danish delegation reinforced the shared vision between Ark and our international peers: to create housing that is not only sustainable but also adaptable and inclusive, offering homes that support people throughout their lives. Whether at Crusader Rise, Quartermile, or Southhouse, the delegation saw firsthand how Ark’s developments reflect our commitment to trust, respect, understanding, equality, and integrity.

Ark Housing Association’s work, showcased through this visit, aligns perfectly with the theme of Scottish Housing Day 2024: ‘Homes for Life.’ We are proud to be leading the way in designing homes that meet the needs of today’s tenants while also being prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. Our homes are built with the future in mind, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their support needs, has access to a home where they can live independently and with dignity for life.

Moving Forward Together

As we reflect on the insights gained from our Danish visitors, Ark Housing Association is more committed than ever to delivering homes that embody our core values. The exchange of ideas with Himmerland Housing Association and other Danish housing professionals has provided fresh perspectives and reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in improving housing solutions.

Scottish Housing Day 2024 celebrates the idea of ‘Homes for Life,’ and Ark’s work at Crusader Rise, Quartermile, and Southhouse exemplifies this vision. We will continue to innovate and lead in the creation of adaptable, inclusive housing, ensuring that all our tenants can live in homes that support them throughout their lives—homes built on a foundation of trust, respect, understanding, equality, and integrity.