The £15m Alder Hey Community Cluster includes an inpatient unit known as ‘Sunflower House’ and an outpatient facility called ‘The Catkin Centre’. This new home for Alder Hey’s community paediatric and mental health services will be the first children’s hospital in Europe to be integrated within a new park.
Increasing evidence shows that contact with nature helps improve health, reduce stress and enhances quality of life, especially for those with recovery of mental health illnesses.
The design of the facilities incorporates nature through natural daylight and warm and homely interiors that support and stimulate healing. Natural materials have been introduced throughout the building such as timber, chosen for its warmth and sensory qualities.
Children and staff have been heavily involved in the design of the Alder Hey Community Cluster including the design of the bedrooms, dining room, courtyard, and garden space, play areas and the school. This has resulted in an environment that is welcoming and homely and connected to nature. One clinician designed the facility as ‘a Ritz experience for the children’.
Working with Galliford Try and 10 Architect, Hygenius are pleased to have been involved in the fitout of this 21st century Health Campus – a possible blueprint for the future of the NHS.
Awards: Design In Mental Health Awards – Project of the Year Shortlist (2019)
Photograph Credits: Cullinan Studio
