Grandview relocation, Caterham
Sector:
Health & Social
Client:
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust
Role:
Project Architect for the Trust’s P21 partner
Value:
£1.3m
Status:
Planning Submission due March 2011
To help fund the modernisation of their estates Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is disposing of a large site in Caterham which currently accommodates Grandview Active Treatment and Support Service. Medical Architecture is assisting the Trust to relocate the service and designing new accommodation for seven adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The new building will be adjacent to a modern housing development and requires a civic presence while offering privacy and security to its vulnerable residents. Consequently the new Grandview emphasises its inward-looking aspect; as vertical timber cladding wraps protectively around the external facade and allows the building to sit comfortably in its woodland setting the interior spaces open onto a light but secure central courtyard; providing natural daylight and views into soft landscaping.
The new building will provide an inherent flexibility while specific features have also been incorporated to enhance the therapeutic environment and accommodate the complex needs of this particular patient group. Modular room dimensions make reconfiguration more straight-forward when future models of care and new treatment technologies emerge, future expansion has been anticipated and can be provided without causing major disruption to the service. Simultaneously the internal circulation spaces have adapted and grown to offer niches and breakout space, allowing residents to observe and engage from the peripheries of activity whilst maintaining the perception of protected personal space which is so important to the comfort of many individuals within the autistic spectrum.
