This project was a finalist in the European Responsible Housing Awards 2025 under the ‘More than a roof – supporting communities of equal opportunities’, organised by Housing Europe, the International Union of Tenants and DELPHIS.
Organisations: Logirys
Goals
The Avon project, developed by LogiRys, pioneers a new approach to ageing in social housing—placing dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing at the center of everyday life. Located in the Jean Fontenelle Residence, this initiative focuses on providing affordable, high-quality housing for mobile seniors who do not require nursing care but benefit from tailored support in a communal setting.
The project’s main goal was to transform a deteriorating building into a model for “residences of autonomy,” where older residents can maintain independence while enjoying emotional support, social connection, and a strong sense of belonging. The vision combines physical comfort with beauty, community with care, and sustainability with innovation—creating an environment that actively supports graceful, healthy ageing. From inclusive design to therapeutic gardens and shared meals, the residence is a living demonstration that later life can be joyful, supported, and vibrant.
Context
In 2020, LogiRys took over a struggling 45-year-old building in the town of Avon that housed 25 senior residents. The facility required extensive renovation, not only to improve safety and comfort but also to shift from a basic housing model to a care-focused residence supporting older adults in maintaining autonomy.
The transformation was both physical and philosophical. The renovation, costing over €5 million, was completed within a year—carefully managed to minimize disruption. The result is a 76-apartment building that is thermally comfortable, safe, luminous, and aesthetically pleasing, while still maintaining affordable rents.
This initiative coincided with demographic trends facing Groupe Polylogis, which forecasts a 30% increase in tenants over 60 by 2035, representing 200,000 additional units and 275,000 people. In response, the Avon project became a testing ground for reimagining senior care. It integrates findings from the Polylogis seniors’ barometer, a survey of 1,650 tenants aged over 60, and directly informs the group’s broader ageing strategy.
What is innovative about this project?
The Avon project introduces a replicable, heart-centered care model that redefines ageing in social housing. Rather than focusing on dependency, the residence is designed to delay ageing by promoting vitality, participation, and emotional health.
A key innovation is its approach to care as empowerment. Residents are encouraged to live as they choose—decorating their spaces, keeping pets, and choosing whether to engage in activities or enjoy privacy. This supports autonomy and a sense of ownership.
The residence offers 31 types of indoor and outdoor activities, averaging 12.5 hours per week, focused on mobility, mental wellbeing, and social interaction. Physical exercises have even helped residents overcome issues like urinary incontinence, restoring confidence and daily independence.
Nature is also a therapeutic tool: the biodiverse garden, co-designed for older users, is used for movement, reflection, and community activities. An in-house, affordable restaurant, managed by Avon’s social services, is open not only to residents but to all seniors over 60 in the town—fostering broader inclusion and nutritional support.
Digital inclusion and environmental sustainability are also integral. Residents receive computer training to stay connected, and the residence promotes recycling and energy-saving practices.
With over 30% of residents aged 90+, and some over 100, the residence proves that dignity and vitality are compatible with advanced age when supported through thoughtful care and design.
Interventions
A wide array of tools support the Avon model, blending physical space, professional care, social infrastructure, and digital engagement:
- Full renovation of a 45-year-old building into a thermally efficient, accessible, and beautiful 76-unit residence.
- Common areas filled with light, color, and music, including a piano for residents to use freely.
- Therapeutic garden, specifically designed for emotional and physical wellbeing, used for structured outdoor activities and daily enjoyment.
- In-house restaurant offering healthy, affordable meals to residents and all seniors over 60 in Avon.
- 31 activity types, from fall prevention to social clubs, led by professionals and residents alike.
- Physical training and geriatric support, including exercises proven to improve mobility and continence.
- Digital training for residents, boosting autonomy and connection.
- Recycling systems and environmental awareness training to align daily life with sustainable practices.
All of this is supported by a team of professionals dedicated to understanding not only the physical but also the emotional aspects of ageing—ensuring care with heart.
Impact
- €5 million renovation completed in one year with minimal disruption.
- 76 adapted apartments with maintained affordability and thermal comfort.
- 31 types of activities delivered at an average of 12.5 hours/week.
- 72% of residents participate weekly in activities.
- 100% satisfaction rate with activities and 96% overall satisfaction, based on internal surveys.
- 30% of residents are aged 90+, demonstrating successful ageing in place.
- In-house restaurant and garden access open to all local seniors, fostering community integration.
- Digital training, recycling education, and sustainability initiatives promote long-term autonomy and responsible living.
- Polylogis senior strategy, informed by the Avon model and a survey of 1,650 residents over 60, positions the project as a pilot for wider national application.
This project proves that ageing can be joyful, independent, and inclusive when care is rooted in dignity, community, and design excellence.
Lessons learned
- Innovative reimagining of senior housing that prioritizes vitality, prevention, and independence over dependency or institutional care.
- Excellent use of services: tailored therapeutic programs, a biodiverse garden, and a social-service-managed restaurant supporting both health and dignity.
- Achieved high satisfaction (96%) and strong resident participation, proof of impact and quality.
- A model aging solution that challenges stereotypes about elderly living and effectively integrates design, care, and community.
