Aspen Wood – Leaning Disability Low Secure Forensic inpatient unit – Gilling Dod Architects

Nominee Information

40 bed new Low-Secure-Forensic-Leaning-Disability-inpatient-unit for MCFT. Which delivers 2×20 bed bespoke LD inpatient wards, sub-divided into 4 no 5 bed living units, with full therapy/support spaces, all designed specifically for service users (su) with pronounced learning disabilities. The project forms part of the Trust’s redevelopment of Ashworth site into the Maghull Health Park.

Design draws on SEN schools learnings with Sensory design/neurodiversity at its heart. Through intensive service user engagement/clinical workshops we were able to identify/capture key spatial/sensory triggers for LD service users, designing spaces/environments to be truly person-centred. E.G of LD specific design innovations:

Transition zones created/spatial sequencing based on stimuli.
One-way/open circulation routes designed to aid wayfinding/avoid stressful interactions.
Visual markers/managed vistas/landmarks created to aid familiarization/recognition.
Café/social/forum space created to give incentives/motivation.
Immersive therapy rooms/de-stim spaces/sensory rooms.
Biophilic design approach i.e. green lightwells/living-walls/abundance of gardens/ inside-to-outside thresholds blurred.
Use of technology to improve service user interaction/communication/personalisation, and control of environment/stimuli.
A large part of the Therapeutic Milieu for LD patients is connecting with nature. By adopting a Biophilic design approach, nature/green space permeates the interior spaces giving linkages to surrounding landscape both physically and visually. Within the building is a central external ‘heart space’ courtyard acting as a key focal point and main transition space from ‘Living’ to ‘Activity’ areas, further emphasised by an open colonnade design.

In terms of form/materials, these were intentionally ambiguous and muted, with minimal visual noise to suit LD sensory criteria. Materials also had to be robust and anti-vandal meeting forensic guidelines. The entrance approach is oblique to remove the stress of approaching a large arrival zone.

The building achieves BREAM excellent, with environmental controls driven by LD specific criteria and sensory triggers. Key features:

Localised air source cooling
Roof mounted photovoltaics
Ventilation heat recovery
Intelligent BMS controls
Maximising natural daylighting
The new building is also sustainable from a revenue/staffing perspective with the innovative ward design offering an efficient/adaptive footprint, clear sight lines, and facilitating flexible nursing practices, only possible via nursing colleagues being instrumental in the early design process.

SU engagement process directly informed the final design; embracing biophilic design, sensory stimulus features, transition zones, interior design and arts installations which all track back to this. Experts by experience were included on the original interview panel/selection process, forming part of MCFT’s Design Champions forum, approving designs at all key milestones.

The Trust continued the engagement process with service users during the build process to maintain contact/impetus/ownership in the project e.g. ward naming competitions/blogs & social media/arts projects/regular liaison sessions.

Extensive mock-up/destruction testing of all component installations, plus applying POE from other completed forensic schemes, ensured the Trust had full confidence in the finished environment. Products were sustainable/appropriate, and defects avoided. Clear strategies/approaches to risk agreed from outset. Designed and constructed through the pandemic, Testament to collaborative/team working ethos.