This autumn, the Longevity Home project brought together social housing professionals, residents and regional partners to explore how innovative design can support healthier, longer lives.
Developed through a collaboration between the National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) programme and Bernicia, the initiative reimagined an existing home in Walkergate, Newcastle, as a living lab where people could experience and co-design the homes of the future.
Open from August to October, it welcomed around 200 visitors, including Bernicia Living residents, members of the SHINE network, Bernicia Board representatives, local authority adult social care teams, Henry Kippin, CEO of the North East Combined Authority, and John Marshall, Chair of believe housing. Through personalised tours, visitors explored emerging technologies such as smart sensors and shared valuable insights on what ageing well should look like in social housing.
Early outcomes have been encouraging. Bernicia is considering adopting some of the showcased products across their properties, bringing innovation directly into homes and communities.
The project’s impact will continue into 2026. Bernicia has invited the team to recreate the Longevity Home at its annual conference in March, and the IoCT™ team will be sharing learnings at upcoming housing sector events.
This autumn, the Longevity Home project brought together social housing professionals, residents and regional partners to explore how innovative design can support healthier, longer lives.
Developed through a collaboration between the National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) programme and Bernicia, the initiative reimagined an existing home in Walkergate, Newcastle, as a living lab where people could experience and co-design the homes of the future.
Open from August to October, it welcomed around 200 visitors, including Bernicia Living residents, members of the SHINE network, Bernicia Board representatives, local authority adult social care teams, Henry Kippin, CEO of the North East Combined Authority, and John Marshall, Chair of believe housing. Through personalised tours, visitors explored emerging technologies such as smart sensors and shared valuable insights on what ageing well should look like in social housing.
Early outcomes have been encouraging. Bernicia is considering adopting some of the showcased products across their properties, bringing innovation directly into homes and communities.
The project’s impact will continue into 2026. Bernicia has invited the team to recreate the Longevity Home at its annual conference in March, and the IoCT™ team will be sharing learnings at upcoming housing sector events.
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