This is a secure unit providing short term accommodation for seriously ill psychiatric patients. The existing 1930’s building was remodelled to provide 13 bedrooms, each with en-suite shower room, arranged around a central recreation and dining area. A fully supervised and secure staff station was strategically positioned in this space.

Staff facilities were accommodated in a 2-storey extension, sited so as to create two new landscaped courtyards. Although much of the design was influenced by security issues, including alarms and surveillance systems, the design team took great pains to minimise the impact and visible presence of security features.

It was considered important that the unit should not look like a prison and this meant passive, protective measures were taken to prevent patients harming either themselves or the staff.

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