Case Study

Kingfisher court, Hertfordshire

Kingfisher court, Hertfordshire. Photo Credit: Tim Soar

On a gently sloping site within a rustic Hertfordshire setting, Kingfisher Court is about as non-institutional as a mental health facility gets. With low-level, mostly single-storey, structures arranged around four landscaped courtyards (two per ward), the undulating roofscapes give the appearance of a small village, an impression enhanced by the shingle facades on all south-facing elevations, and the timber used on the north elevations. The angled contours (constructed with Structural Insulated Panels) of the building outline also create small alcoves and areas for shelter and privacy.

Kingfisher court, Hertfordshire. Photo Credit: Tim Soar

Thanks to many hours of stakeholder consultations, various initiatives were proposed and honoured in the design. All patient activity is on the ground floor, with barriers and fencing at a minimum; electronic swipe cards control access, with access increasing as patients improve. Stakeholders petitioned for and got an attractive, non-segregated cafe, an ATM, and control of heating, ventilation and lighting in bedrooms. Bedrooms all face south, with large openable windows looking on to the landscapes (a fine-mesh grille keeps them secure). Corridors are all single-loaded with spaces and art for seating and contemplation. Communal lounges have high ceilings, tall windows and attractive blinds and furnishings. Colours are clustered according to a palette chosen to reflect the hues of the countryside. High satisfaction levels are already being reported, along with reduced aggression and massively reduced tribunal appeals.

Client: Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS FT
Architecture and Interiors: P+HS Architects
Area: 8,000 sq m
Cost: £41.5m