Ryder Architecture’s Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow adopts an innovative care model from Scandinavia

Buildings.

Photos
Keith Hunter 

Located in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park, the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice (PPWH) cares for more than 1200 patients and families each year, helping them to cope with a life limiting or life shortening illness, and providing specialist holistic care and support. Designed by Ryder Architecture The 5,840-square-metre building is the first UK hospice to follow the Sengetun integrated care model from Scandinavia. This eschews the shortcomings of conventional ward planning in favour of private, dignified and compassionate care that prioritises patients and families.

A high-quality home-like environment is combined with ‘covert’ clinical and medical assistance, making it easier for patients to identify and orientate themselves comfortably within smaller groups. Staff response times have been shortened, improving patient safety and support, says the architect.

Lower-ground, ground and first-floor plans

A sense of protection is expressed by a veranda that runs around the perimeter of the building, providing a transitional zone between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. The restrained material palette, including Penrhyn heather blue slate, supports the scheme’s conceptual approach of quietness, durability and protection. Internally, timber linings are combined with good levels of daylighting to create a positive and calming environment.

Carlton Place, a Georgian townhouse, which accommodated the previous hospice for more than 30-years is subtly referenced through a series of alcoves – intended for private reflection or discussion – and the building’s original front door, which now forms part of the main entrance to the new scheme.

Additional Images

Credits

Architect
Ryder Architecture
Structural engineer
Woolgar Hunter
Services engineer
Atelier Ten
Quantity surveyor
Aecom