ACA Receives Highly Commended Recognition at Design in Mental Health Awards 2026

ALESSANDRO Caruso Architects Ltd (ACA) is delighted to announce that its Langtree Care Home project has received a Highly Commended recognition in the Project of the Future Design UK Award category at the prestigious Design in Mental Health Awards 2026, held in Coventry.

ACA Directors Amelia Caruso and Alex Caruso attended the awards ceremony as part of the Design in Mental Health Network Conference, following the project's national shortlisting. The annual conference brings together leading professionals from across the healthcare, mental health, care and design sectors to celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice in the creation of therapeutic environments.

Throughout the conference, Amelia and Alex attended a series of presentations exploring the latest research, emerging trends and innovations influencing the future of mental health and care design. They also met with suppliers and industry specialists during the exhibition, gaining valuable insights into new products, technologies and design approaches that continue to shape high-quality healthcare environments.

The conference concluded with the Design in Mental Health Awards ceremony, where Langtree Care Home, Standish was recognised by the judging panel with a Highly Commended accolade. The recognition was awarded in one of only a select number of categories to feature a special Highly Commended distinction, highlighting the project's exceptional design quality, innovation and contribution to the future of care environments.

Designed by ACA on behalf of Millennium Care Group, the 52-bed specialist dementia and nursing care home forms part of the wider Standish Care Village development. Opened in 2025, the home has been carefully designed to provide a welcoming, supportive and therapeutic environment for residents, staff and visitors, placing wellbeing at the centre of every design decision.

The project incorporates open-plan communal living spaces, strong connections to nature, calming interior design and a household model of care that promotes independence, comfort and a sense of community. The recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of ACA, Millennium Care Group and the wider project team in delivering a care environment that supports dignity, wellbeing and quality of life.

Reflecting on the event, Alex Caruso, Director at ACA, said:

"We had a fantastic day networking, learning and what a great way to end the day by celebrating the judges' recognition on the Langtree Care Home development. It is incredibly rewarding to see the project acknowledged amongst so many outstanding schemes that are helping shape the future of healthcare and care design."

The recognition continues ACA's successful partnership with Millennium Care Group and builds on the Practice's growing reputation for designing innovative care environments that place people and wellbeing first. It also follows the international success of Porritt Care Village, which recently received a World Design Award for its pioneering approach to care architecture.

ACA is proud to have been recognised alongside some of the UK's leading healthcare and care design professionals and congratulates all finalists, Highly Commended recipients and award winners celebrated during the evening.

The practice remains committed to creating evidence-based, person-centred environments that improve health, wellbeing and quality of life through thoughtful, innovative and sustainable design.