Architects And Quantity Surveyors
St Margaret's Hospice. Somerset
This purpose built facility was the first of its kind in Somerset and was funded completely by public donation. The design,based on three wings with a central two storey hub gives the building a homely quality and disguises its size. Internally the buildings character is deliberately domestic. The patient wing embraces the south facing gardens which have been extensively landscaped. Access to the gardens is provided from the patient rooms. The building is serviced from the rear, discreetly hidden from the patients line of sight.
Over time this practice has developed the plan of the building four times to add or enlarge facilities.
A purpose built wing with lecture facilities, library and meeting rooms enabled the Hospice to provide valuable education to health professionals.
An extension to the Day-care wing provided additional care and activities for day-care patients including a garden conservatory. This in turn gives carers much needed rest from the pressures of looking after relatives.
An extension of the administration and fund raising offices was needed to house the ever growing fund raising operation and most recently an extension to the patient wing to reorganise existing accommodation.
The design of the building has been highly admired by all those who use and work in the Hospice and has attracted a local authority good design award.
