ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
of WEEE waste and hazardous waste, while recycling bins and inclusion of adequate waste storage areas are also features.
n Mind The WELL Mind concept is described as ‘promoting mental health through policy, programme, and design strategies that seek to address the diverse factors that influence cognitive and emotional well-being’.4
The
features in this section are wide-ranging, but some of the most influential on the design were Nature and Place and Enhanced Access to Nature. The Nature and Place WELL feature puts focus on
The immersive suite within the nursing school.
n Sound
A ‘Sound Mapping exercise’ was carried out by an acoustician, looking at the different requirements for noise limits within the building in terms of quiet and loud zones. This fed into our design for overall space planning – zoning of areas within the building according to the acoustic sensitivity of the spaces, with the intent of reducing distractions and aiding concentration. The layout of the building has therefore been designed so that areas for collaboration or quiet work are clearly defined. Internal walls and doors have been specified to provide the required acoustic separation between adjacent spaces, with the acoustic specification of internal built elements assessed under the WELL criteria.
n Materials
Some features were quite easy to address due to restrictions already in place as a result of legislation. For example, within this concept area, the WELL criteria highlight avoidance of hazardous and toxic materials such as asbestos, lead, PCBs, and copper arsenate-treated wood. Low VOC materials, already discussed in relation to ‘Air’, were also a requirement in relation to this concept area. From an operational standpoint, policies on cleaning
Library space.
protocols are important, and cleaning staff will not use any harsh and toxic cleaning agents. A cleaning protocol is also in place to ensure that all high-touch surfaces are cleaned regularly. A waste management plan encourages occupants to recycle and to dispose safely
integration of nature throughout the project, and reference is made within the standard to the benefits of biophilic design, as well as strategies which help to create a unique identity for the project and inspire human delight. In terms of nature, the requirement was to include natural materials, patterns, shapes, or colours and either plants, water, or nature views (or a combination of these). We had hoped to include a living wall, but could not
achieve having plants inside the building due to infection control concerns from the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team. Fortunately, we were able to achieve views of nature, with the walking trail designed and the water feature opposite the new building providing a focal point. In addition, there are views out to the landscape scheme surrounding the building, which has been designed to maximise the limited space available on the site. Once established, this will enhance views out onto a year-round display of colour, enhancing biodiversity, and providing functional areas that contribute to the site drainage strategy through rain gardens. Inspiration from natural elements has been incorporated
throughout the spaces, focusing on the areas with the most traffic and usage. P+HS has designed the interiors around the concept of ‘modern organic’ – with forms, colours, patterns, and materials inspired by nature, but striking a balance to create a fairly neutral backdrop to the activities within the building. There is a subtle approach to use of pattern carried through to floor finishes, including the luxury vinyl tile planks and carpet tiles described by the manufacturer as ‘using patterns inspired by nature, including natural rock formations’. Timber laminate is included to doors and joinery, with use of a subtle olive green in washroom areas. A hexagonal motif, inspired by nature and organic forms, creates a feature throughout the building on acoustic wall panels and glazing manifestations.
Artwork projects The Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity is a huge benefit to Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust, and through the Bright charity several artwork projects were facilitated for the building, which P+HS were able to assist with coordinating. Artwork included throughout the building features themes inspired by nature and scenery in the local area, helping to foster connection with nature and place. This includes a mural designed through a competition for students in a local school sixth form, and a changing photography display in corridors to display artwork from a staff photography competition. The other aspect of this feature area, Connection to Place, asks for the project to integrate design elements which include a celebration of culture (for example the culture of occupants, workplace, and the surrounding community), celebration of place (local architecture, materials, flora, artists), integration of art, and human delight.5
This feature has also benefited from the work facilitated by the Bright Charity, which included artist- 56 Health Estate Journal June 2025
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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