The Hospice’s ambition for the project was to avoid the institutional character typical of many health and care facilities. The design process examined new ways that care could be delivered and discussed the benefits this could bring to patients, families and staff, through consultation and close dialogue with the Hospice clinicians and management team.
The external spaces now offer a valuable resource for the Hospice, with the goal of improving people’s quality of life and sense of wellbeing through a series of spaces of distinct character and purpose. These spaces provide varied opportunities for therapeutic activity and quiet contemplation.
Awards
- Excellence in Landscape Design, Landscape Institute Awards 2020
- Healthcare award, RICS Scotland 2020
- Design for Health and Wellness, European Healthcare Design 2020
Client
The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice
“Rolf, Felicity and the team at erz have been a joy to work with; talented, focused and very professional. In ten years, their reputation has grown significantly and deservedly. Clearly, erz are among the very best landscape designers in the country.”
Alan Dunlop
Alan Dunlop Architect Limited
The lower portion of the site is designed to be fully accessible and incorporates various unique therapeutic spaces. A series of ‘seasonal’ gardens organised around an axial path are destinations within the landscape which will ensure that, whatever time of year a person is at the Hospice, there will always be a place to go that is beautiful.
Private gardens sit directly outside the patient bedrooms on the lower ground floor, whilst wider site walks and quiet spaces are provided on the hill above the building. An accessible path meanders up the hill to a shelter, designed by erz, which offers a discrete space for gathering or quiet contemplation.
