'Everyday’ details take on a new importance
Architype for St Michael’s Hospice
Contract value: £9.6m
GIA: 5,184m²
St Michael’s Hospice gives comprehensive and convincing answers to how the architecture of a hospice should be. Stunning views out into the landscape and plenty of daylight lift any pervading feeling of hesitation and discomfort.
The layout conveys a message of openness and shared experience. Spaces become more tranquil as one progresses through the building. The softness of daylight is enhanced by curved timber cladding in a double-height central spine. Feeding off the central space are clusters of individual rooms with common areas, which are also open to the outside and filled with daylight, warm colours. All patients’ rooms open into the gardens with individual decks. ‘Everyday’ details take on a new importance. Hiding hoist tracks is a solution for a less clinical look and ‘at home’ feel to the rooms. The judges were particularly impressed by the architect’s detailed understanding of patients’ conditions and feelings.
See the other winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2017 – West Midlands