Clock View Hospital by Medical Architecture

Clock View Hospital, in one of the most deprived areas of Liverpool, set a new national benchmark for facilities that meet the safety, security and clinical needs of a modern mental health facility, provide a dignified and therapeutic environment for patients, and destigmatise mental health services within the local community.

Early engagement with staff and service users emphasised the importance of a ‘non-clinical’ environment, favouring bright and airy spaces.

To tackle the stigma often associated with mental illness, the hospital presents a positive frontage with a landmark foyer that is visible and transparent. Interiors feature warm colours, natural wood finishes and integrated art and sculpture commissioned through a partnership with Tate Liverpool.

Wards are arranged as single storey prefabricated, lightweight timber-framed pavilions with their own gardens, a design that allows for future adaptability in response to changing models of care.

The building was certified as BREEAM ‘Excellent’. A passive approach to construction achieved improved U-values and airtightness (2.88 was achieved on site).

The wards are future-proofed to allow for incremental energy and climate change adaptation and upgrade strategies, such as planting on the roof or renewable energy components. Solar shading can be suspended over the courtyards to reduce overheating. Generous planting improves the microclimate, pre-cooling air before it enters the building.

Joe Rafferty, CEO of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust reports that “We have fewer costs … far fewer injuries and days off work. People stay for shorter periods of time here and it’s a more efficient unit.” It has also been a catalyst for regeneration of the local area.