Contemplation and care in a sympathetic environment
Stanton Andrews carried out a design and build project for East Lancashire Hospice to improve the functional layout and provide additional wellbeing spaces, all to be carried out whilst keeping the Hospice operational throughout the project.
The operators wanted to include in the plans an extended area to provide a multi-denominational contemplation room, with an activities area and to create landscaped courtyards and garden areas.
The majority of the project involved significant remodelling of the existing building. This had to be carried out in phases to keep the Hospice operational throughout the project. Careful and regular liaison was required to minimise disruption.
The existing conservatory, dining room and kitchen, at the heart of the hospice, were entirely remodelled, creating a large, open plan meeting space. Corridors were replaced by informal colonnades opening to the meeting and dining areas whilst also linking through to the inpatient areas. Staff areas were reconfigured creating generous accommodation with its own private courtyard.
The multi-denominational contemplation room was conceived ‘in the round’ to avoid any religious association. The use of slot windows ensures privacy for patients, relatives and staff whilst still allowing natural light into the room.
The siting of the contemplation room and activity room extensions on such an incredibly tight and highly serviced site proved a challenge, yet the positioning of the rooms helped to define the Hospice boundaries and created a private courtyard area for the users of the hospice.
