Description

Interior layout

The hospital consists of three two storey forms, connected by a triple height atrium, with two L shaped wings housing the wards.  These are nestled into a slope with views to a wooded area. Elevated timber decks, accessible by patients and staff, look into a landscaped courtyard between the wings which is accessed from the central atrium. 

The reception is located in the atrium next to waiting areas, circulation and social spaces.  Opposite the reception, facing the new road, there is access to the administration building.

The atrium is aligned from south-east to north-west with a route that begins in the patient car park and extends through the reception area.  The route connects visually through the double height glazing back along the road to the centre of Newton Abbot.  A gabion wall runs along the main entrance route and screens the staff parking area, and ambulance dock.

A smaller administration building faces the main road and has been clad with faceted zinc, breaking up its bulk and providing visual interest to the public face of the building.

Glazing and views

Fully glazed walls separate the waiting area in the ground floor of the atrium from the courtyard, connecting back to the relaxing outdoor space.  The views give visitors and staff a clear way of orientating themselves within the buildings. Full height windows at the ends of each corridor give the same orientating opportunities from the more private areas in the wards.

Freestanding oak clad rooms in the circulation areas house public areas such as the café and prayer room.  Each of these is a different size and shape and help staff and patients circulate around the building.  The colour scheme is subdued but the high levels of natural daylight help to articulate the spaces and animate the natural décor.

Landscaping

There has been extensive landscaping around all sides of the building on a site with varying topography. The wards are orientated against the natural slope, taking advantage of natural daylight with south and west facing windows that look over woodland or gardens. The design has dealt nimbly with a difficult topography, with clarity of service and functional arrangements.