The Catkin Centre and Sunflower House, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – Cullinan Studio

Nominee Information

The Catkin Centre and Sunflower House, designed for the Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust by Cullinan Studio and delivered by 10architect, represent a groundbreaking approach to mental health care facilities for children and young people. This project has meticulously integrated a spectrum of specialist mental health services into two cohesive buildings; symbolising a progressive, unified method of mental health treatment and showcasing a pivotal shift in the design of healthcare environments.

Central to the project’s innovation is its holistic approach to care. By amalgamating services that were previously dispersed across the hospital site and the city, Alder Hey has significantly improved the potential for positive outcomes in children and young people’s mental health. This strategic consolidation facilitates enhanced efficiencies, promoting a more effective and comprehensive care model. The Catkin Centre serves as a beacon for outpatient services, housing facilities for a wide range of conditions and needs, including ASD, ADHD, and crisis care, among others. It is equipped with spaces designed to foster engagement, healing, and creativity, such as quiet rooms, family therapy rooms, and spaces for art and music therapy. Sunflower House complements this by offering a nurturing ‘home-from-home’ for young patients with complex mental health conditions, featuring a 12-bed inpatient unit uniquely tailored for children aged 5-13 – one of only six in the UK.

The integration of these facilities within the newly accessible Springfield Park leverages the therapeutic benefits of nature. This design choice is rooted in a wealth of empirical evidence suggesting that exposure to natural environments can significantly decrease stress and improve overall well-being. The buildings themselves, with their projecting bay windows and courtyard gardens, not only offer serene views but also physically embody the healing essence of nature. This connection is further enhanced through the use of natural materials, such as timber, which adds a tactile, warm dimension to the interior spaces, aiding in the healing process.

The architectural layout diverges significantly from traditional hospital designs, which often feel maze-like and impersonal. Instead, Cullinan Studio has opted for a cloistered arrangement around courtyard buildings, fostering a sense of community and openness. This approach not only aids in wayfinding but also reduces anxiety, creating a more welcoming and homely atmosphere. The thoughtful placement of the buildings, raised above the ground level, ensures privacy and dignity for patients, while the external materials and colours harmonise with the natural surroundings, reinforcing the connection to nature.

A robust wooden structure emphasises sustainability alongside patient well-being, and thoughtfully incorporated artworks by Lucy Casson serve both a decorative and functional purpose, enhancing privacy and adding an element of playfulness to the space.

In conclusion, the Catkin Centre and Sunflower House stand as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, patient-centric design in healthcare. Their innovative approach to integrating mental health facilities with the therapeutic benefits of nature, alongside a strong emphasis on community, privacy, and sustainability, sets a new standard for healthcare architecture and demonstrates a profound commitment to the well-being of patients, visitors and staff.