Outdoor seating solutions for Birchgrove Retirement Homes

Christ Church Apartments in Leatherhead is one of Birchgrove’s latest retirement living developments, a thoughtfully planned setting that offers comfort, independence, and a sense of community for people in later life. As with any well-considered later life environment, the selection of furniture for retirement homes plays a key role in supporting the function and feel of the space. Here, that balance has been carefully achieved across private and shared areas through an outdoor seating solution by Hornbeck that supports both wellbeing and social connection.

Kori Construction led the design and build, delivering not only the homes themselves but also landscaped gardens, a restaurant, lounge, and other shared amenities, each playing a part in supporting wellbeing and connection.

An outdoor seating solution that supports comfort, wellness, and social spaces

The outdoor spaces needed furniture that would support practical use and visual appeal. Key requirements included:

• Comfortable and supportive seating for residents to relax and feel at ease
• Durable materials suited to year-round outdoor use with minimal upkeep
• A refined, modern aesthetic that complements the landscaped garden

Beyond the basics, the chosen furniture needed to:

• Encourage wellness and gentle social interaction
• Be accessible and inclusive for varying levels of mobility
• Help create natural gathering points throughout the space

Well-placed seating was essential in connecting people with the outdoor environment, offering moments of pause, privacy, or conversation in a calm, welcoming setting.

Our response: A collaborative, design-conscious approach

We worked diligently to ensure the outdoor furniture aligned with the wider design intent. Our approach focused on both visual harmony and practical use.

• Selected Mettro benches for their clean lines, strength, and flexibility
• Supplied a mix of straight and curved units, including a bespoke S-shaped layout with two differently radiused curves
• Used a refined material palette: Iroko timber with RAL7015 Slate Grey powder-coated steel

The result is furniture for retirement homes that enhances the space, meets the brief, and supports the needs of residents with ease.

View our Mettro Benches here.

Product spotlight: Flexible and durable Mettro benches for retirement living spaces

Two variations from the Mettro range were used to shape the garden’s seating — combining flexibility, durability, and design consistency across the space.

Mettro 102 – Curved & circular bench

Complementing the straight bench was the Mettro 102 curved bench, used to introduce softer lines and define key areas within the landscape. Its curved form not only encourages more natural social interaction but also allows for creative configurations — as seen in the bespoke S-shaped installation tailored to the site. Where internal access was needed, sections were simply omitted to maintain usability without compromising the overall design intent.

Mettro 103 – Curved Bench

The Mettro 103 curved benches were used to introduce softer lines and a sense of flow throughout the gardens at Christ Church Apartments. Their adaptable form allowed for creative layouts, from gentle arcs to circular seating that frames planting and pathways — helping to define spaces while maintaining a natural rhythm within the landscape.

Mettro 105 – Straight Bench

The Mettro 105 straight benches brought a refined, contemporary touch to the gardens at Christ Church Apartments. Crafted from durable Iroko timber with a powder-coated steel frame, they offer lasting comfort and strength in shared outdoor spaces.

Their modular design allowed flexible layouts across walkways and seating areas, creating natural places for rest and connection. Customised to suit the project’s aesthetic, the Mettro 105 benches blend style, durability, and functionality — perfectly supporting Birchgrove’s vision for a calm, communal environment.

Project Outcome: Comfortable, Considered, and Communal

The finished outdoor spaces at Christ Church Apartments demonstrate how well-integrated furniture can quietly elevate the overall environment. The Mettro benches blend seamlessly into the landscaped setting, supporting the architectural vision without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. Their placement encourages residents to use the garden naturally, whether for quiet reflection, casual conversation, or simply enjoying time outdoors.

From a practical standpoint, the materials selected offer excellent durability with minimal maintenance required, making them well-suited for long-term use in a shared setting. The result is a calm, welcoming space that feels considered and communal, exactly what a living environment should provide.

Explore adaptable furniture for retirement homes

Whether you’re planning a new development or enhancing an existing space, we’d be glad to support your vision. Our team at Hornbeck will work closely with you to deliver outdoor furniture solutions that are functional and considered.

As this project demonstrates, the right outdoor seating solution can help create welcoming, functional spaces that encourage comfort, connection, and long-term enjoyment.

Get in touch to discuss your project or explore the full Mettro collection. We’re here to help you get the details right.