Four award haul at the Building Better Healthcare Awards
In a magnificent afternoon for the practice, we were thrilled to receive four awards and a high commendation at the 2023 Building Better Healthcare Awards, including the highly prized Grand Prix Design Award.
Celebrating its 25th year, the respected awards programme recognises innovation and achievements within the healthcare built environment in the UK.
National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital was named Best International Healthcare Development, an award presented to an exemplary project that shows innovation in design and thoughtfulness, and creates a supportive and therapeutic environment.
At the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital, the inpatient wards are clustered around a landscaped ‘village green’.
The building also received the special Patient’s Choice Award, which is presented to the entry that a patient representative deems has the biggest impact on the patient experience and outcomes.
This was then topped with the Grand Prix Design Award, awarded to the entry that the judges feel has the most impact and is the most architecturally-significant development within health and social care.
Ward circulation spaces enjoy views into independently accessible courtyards.
The use of light is an important feature of the building design.
National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital, which we designed in collaboration with Scott Tallon Walker Architects, represents a national step-change in normalised facilities for secure mental health in Ireland. Laid out as a series of single storey pavilion buildings around a pedestrianised ‘village green’ the hospital exploits the therapeutic value of nature in a discreetly secure setting which promotes the recovery of patients.
Kimmeridge Court Eating Disorders Unit also received the special Clinician’s Choice Award, presented to the entry that a clinical representative deems has the biggest impact on the patient experience and outcomes.
In Kimmeridge Court, a large multi-functional activity space on the first floor provides spectacular views out across the tree canopy.
Sited in a protected wooded glade, Kimmeridge Court has been carefully crafted to preserve the quality of its natural setting and to create a uniquely private and therapeutic environment for the treatment of patients with eating disorders. Through close consultation with clinical staff, the facilities have been specially designed to meet a growing need for the service, enabling patients to re-establish a positive relationship with food and exercise.
The building has been designed to take full advantage of the quality of its natural context.
It’s fantastic to receive these four awards for two very special mental health projects, designed at different scales for different patient groups. Despite their distinct briefs, both projects have been supported by excellent, progressive clients that could both see the value in creating therapeutic spaces. It’s also rewarding to see this recognised by the judging panel, patient representative and clinical representative. Thank you!
Ruairi Reeves (left) and Karl Burton (right), Associate at Scott Tallon Walker Architects, accepting the awards for National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital.