Architype

Thursday 29th May 2014, Architype celebrated with St. Michaels Hospice the ‘Topping-Out’ of the eagerly anticipated in-patient building. Friends of the Hospice joined in a celebratory ceremony to see CEO Nicky West plant a commemorative tree as a mark of ‘good luck’ for the new building.

The project, which began in 2008, is nearing its first phase of completion after several years of fundraising by the charitable organization St. Michael’s Hospice. Appointed architects, Architype were proud to present the recently roofed building and reveal a journey that has been close to the hearts of the Hereford based practice.

The new in-patience block which will offer the highest quality in end-
of-life care, comprises of several community rooms offering a range of services, including holistic and pastoral care, integrated rooms for staff and facilities, alongside the main space allocated for live-in accommodation. The private rooms that deflect from the striking central atrium space, so called ‘The Street’, offer a quality of space that is contemporary, light and airy, encompassing a peaceful and domestic ambiance that opposes any connotations of ‘institution’.For those privy to the tour by project leader Mark Barry, it was compelling to experience first had the environment achieved by this adept design team, even in its unfinished state.

Following what has been an in-depth consultation process with current patients, families, staff and precedent hospices, Architype have designed a building which functions wholly for the patients, placing their comfort, accessibility and peace of mind at the forefront of the design process.

Under the guidance of Architype, The Hospice has been built to Passivhaus principles and will offer excellent quality of air and light, with a strong focus on communicating
the natural surroundings within the building. Inspired by previous study and experience, this intends to not only improve state of mind, but also aid with physical well-being.

The in-patient building is due for completion this summer, upon which the second renovation phase of the existing building can begin.
The Hospice is run as a charitable organization, for more information on how you can help contribute to this cause visit st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/get-involved