St. Wilfrid’s Hospice

St Wilfrid’s Hospice is an independent charity that supports the local communities of East Sussex. For over 30 years, the hospice has worked in collaboration with the NHS and other local services to support those who are in the last phase of their lives.

In response to the growing demand of the community, the new build facility provides 20 single bedrooms, a coffee shop, chapel and wellbeing clinic. It also houses a gym, hairdressing salon and therapies.

Developed in close collaboration with St Wilfrid’s staff, the design features four different types of bedrooms. These make use of a similar palette of materials and finishes with themes and colours varied to provide a different and individual feel to each room. This approach, in combination with varying levels of daylight achieved by the bedrooms’ orientation and corresponding views, ensures that each patient has a unique space. When patients are referred to the unit, they have the opportunity to select their room. The differences are subtle, but offer significant patient choice.

This interior strategy recognises the very personal nature of a hospice. Focusing on the patient’s intimate surroundings, the design creates a homely feel, providing individual control of the internal environment.