London, UK - Healthcare
A new build 78 bed mental health inpatient facility for Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust on the Whittington Hospital site. The facility includes two older adult wards and three rehabilitation wards with therapy, support and administration spaces. With its urban context, the location and aesthetic of the new building helps to blur the boundary between the service and the community. With access to a café within the main entrance and sports hall at the lower ground level, the public are encouraged into the building to help destigmatise mental health services.
The new building creates a dynamic and contemporary setting for mental health care within a multistorey building. Access to fresh air is created for each ward through the design of a series of terraced sky gardens, each fully enclosed to be safe and secure whilst optimising activity, recreation and connection to nature. A living wall to each terrace also enhances the benefits to wellbeing through accessible yet safe landscape design in an urban setting.
Dr Vincent Kirchner
Chief Medical Officer, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust
The site presented significant challenges from a town planning perspective, with the colocation to a grade II listed building limiting the height and extent of the facility. Construction options were also limited due to the tight site area available.
Quality design development with careful attention to detail in the elevations and close liaison with the local planning authority resulted in a successful outcome. A panelised brick façade system enabled construction within tight parameters, whilst optimising the pre manufactured value of the modern method of construction.
In the final days of construction, the thoughts of service users and staff, who were involved throughout the design process, were captured by the BBC.
Nicky Baker
Service User Representative, Highgate East
New London Awards
Winner: Healthcare
Design in Mental Health
Winner: Service User Engagement
