Architects View
Hospice - a place of shelter for travellers - welcoming, peaceful and caring.
The design of the new Hospice strives to embody these aspirations within a contemporary purpose built environment. Truly a 'public' building in the sense that it will engage with the local community, the Hospice will also be familiar, domestic, literally a home from home for those who spend time there. Individual rooms grouped around a communal courtyard evoke notions of the traditional Almshouse - a reassuring image of continuity and concern for others.
With enough room to accommodate loved ones for short stays, residents will be able to withdraw or join in as they wish. For those seeking companionship there will be a communal lounge opening onto a South facing courtyard, whilst others may find solace in a sequence of beautiful gardens running out into the landscape. Everyone will benefit from a tranquil environment, far removed from the concerns of daily life and distinct from the anonymity which characterises so many healthcare facilities.
At this stage drawings have been prepared to illustrate the scale and nature of the project. In due course the design will be refined to suit a chosen site. A general description of the accommodation is briefly as follows:
There will be in-patient accommodation for ten people. There will also be an out-patient palliative care department comprising a Day Centre with associated treatment and therapy rooms for up to 15 people. Administrative support and full catering facilities will be available within the Hospice.
The in-patient accommodation and immediate nursing support is provided separately. The individual bed sitting rooms have en-suite shower rooms, are large enough to accommodate visitors and each have small private gardens. A glazed 'cloister' connects to the communal Dayroom and the adjacent nursing station.
The main building provides a central reception area for all departments. Visitors to the in-patient unit are received here before crossing the glazed bridge to the adjacent building. A quiet room, children's playroom and overnight family accommodation are provided close by. The doctors consulting room is also located in this area.
The out-patient department provides physiotherapy, alternative therapies and treatment rooms together with a large multipurpose Day Care lounge. Meals are prepared in the adjacent catering kitchen which also provides meals for the in-patient unit, members of staff and volunteers.
Offices are provided for general administration, accounting and fundraising. Nursing and catering staff have a separate entrance at the rear of the building where changing rooms, lockers and showers are provided. Laundry services including washing and linen storage will all be provided on-site.
Car parking for 40 vehicles has been allowed for, with defined areas for staff and visitors. Formal planted areas, landscaped gardens and a woodland walk complete the scheme.
Henry Kelf RIBA.
Henry Kelf Architect is a local practice, based in Gorleston on Sea. In 2008 the practice was fortunate enough to receive two awards from The Campaign to Protect Rural England. An exciting new village hall has recently been designed for the nearby village of Hopton and is expected to commence on site by late 2009 with support from the Big Lottery.