St Benedict's Hospice

This hospice and specialist centre for palliative care provides an outstanding environment for care and support of patients with life limiting conditions and those involved in their care.

With an exceptional project team, progress was unusually rapid, moving from conceptual design to detailed planning in four months with a build programme of just twelve.

The new building has outstanding views and access outdoors; a key requirement of the brief. A sloping site suggested a split level design, allowing us to locate the quieter in-patient accommodation at lower ground floor level with privacy and peace away from the more active day spaces above. 14 spacious bedrooms have individual access to calm, therapeutic outdoor space. Beds can be easily moved outside via wide doors and sheltered canopies provide privacy.

As well as exceptional inpatient and family accommodation, there is a café and shop, education and seminar facilities, lymphoedema, day care, social spaces, therapy suites and a variety of staff facilities and break out spaces. Rooms are designed for flexible use allowing new services to be developed.

Winner of Project of the Year at CENE 2014, the design has also received commendations from Building Better Healthcare and LABC.