Kimmeridge Court Eating Disorders Unit – Medical Architecture

Nominee Information

Creating a therapeutic environment through engagement

Eating disorders are responsible for more loss of life than any other mental health condition and are becoming increasingly common. Treatment can be difficult, with patients often reluctant to receive effective care. Through close consultation with clinical staff and service users, the facilities have been designed to enable patients to re-establish a positive relationship with food and exercise. This has been achieved in an environment that enables staff observation, whilst protecting the privacy and dignity of patients.

Collaborative solutions for integration into the landscape

The building’s response to its natural context plays a vital role in the creation of a protective, non-clinical environment that supports recovery, with the design team, structural engineers, arboricultural consultant, and the contractor working collaboratively to find a unique solution. The size and positioning of the building has been carefully crafted to have a low impact on the mature trees that occupy the site. An innovative irrigated root-protecting foundation design lifts the building above the roots, enabling the retention of the trees remarkably close to the new building. The surrounding external landscaping is permeable to ensure irrigation of the existing and newly planted trees.

Flexible, therapeutic spaces with visual interest

Due to the restful nature of their treatment, patients are encouraged to spend time in their bedrooms. As a result, they have been specifically co-designed with service user advocates during 13 engagement sessions to be comfortable spaces with soft cushioned bay windows and views to nature. The layout of the bedrooms, and the ward plan with a central staff base, allows observation to be maintained with efficient staffing levels, without compromising patient privacy.

An attractive Activities of Daily Living kitchen area allows patients to practise meal preparation and cooking in an environment that mirrors everyday life. Group therapy spaces are immediately accessible from the dining space, where feelings about eating are explored. Sliding doors allow these shared spaces to be opened-up to promote social connection, or separated for more private, focused activity. The transparent patient day spaces offer therapeutic views out to the garden and the surrounding woodland. A large activity and group therapy space on the first floor provides spectacular views across the tree canopy.

The building is designed with flexibility and adaptability using standardised room sizes to accommodate changes to the service model.

Energy efficient, sustainable design

The building’s thermally efficient construction, using the “fabric first” approach, has reduced the required input of heating and cooling systems to a minimum. Spaces with significant areas of glazing are orientated to the north to reduce solar gain and excessive mechanical cooling in summer. Throughout the building, large, openable windows enable good passive ventilation, while maintaining safety and security. Roof lights and sunpipes have been used to maximise natural light.

All materials have been tested and selected for their longevity, ability to withstand the site conditions and the specific demands of a mental healthcare facility. The building is on target to receive a BREEAM Excellent rating.