erz were appointed as landscape architects for the new Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in early 2012, relocating it from its former site in Glasgow’s city centre to Bellahouston Park. The new site offered the opportunity to create a purpose designed facility, which would seamlessly integrate the building and the landscape to provide a wide range of therapeutic spaces.

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.

”Working with the ERZ team on a project of this scale and emotional significance has been an exceptional experience. Their depth of skill, knowledge, and experience in delivering large, complex projects was evident from the very beginning. What truly set them apart, though, was their ability to listen — really listen — to the needs of the hospice and the people this landscape is ultimately meant to serve.

They demonstrated a profound understanding of the overall objective: creating a space that will be used by very ill individuals and their families, and others, a place where sensitivity, dignity, and care must be woven into every decision. Their thoughtful approach, empathy, and commitment ensured that every element of the project aligned with that purpose.
ERZ brought not only expertise, but humanity. It was a privilege to work alongside a team who balances technical excellence with such genuine understanding.

- Anne Hattie, Director of Operations, PPWH