Blog: Stratheden Hospital | Dementia & Mental Health Unit

2009

Architect – Richard Murphey Architects

Richard Murphy Architects’ modern addition to the Stratheden Community Hospital complex in Cupar, Fife provides open, secure and safe space to its residents and workers. The U-shaped plan makes most of the south facing vista. Views out to the beautiful rural Fife landscape are provided in individual bedrooms, and also around communal meeting spaces that are great for visiting families. The circulation space wrapped round the curtain walls of patient spaces including the dining room and lounges together with two enclosed garden spaces. 

My grandfather lived with dementia in his final few years and spent 4 or 5 months in 2015/16 at Stratheden Hospital where he had his own bedroom with a large single pane window looking out to the grounds and an easily accessible wet room / WC. The bedrooms are large and have plenty of space for patients to take their belongings with them and they are encouraged to make their own meals, be as social as they want to be or enjoy the variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. This was great when we visited and wanted to be with him and have some open but private space to talk and relax.

Additionally, there were also other places to visit throughout the building, a specific nook with what we thought was the best view, provided a change of location and a place to go to and visit with grandad. We had our Christmas Day visit here and opened presents while he wore reindeer antlers. The year before we had spent Christmas with him at a local care home, and the experience couldn’t compare.  The natural light and views are a great amenity to everyone and allow a very calming and relaxing environment.

Through the use of well crafted and thoughtful design, the building has clearly a great asset to the patients that visit and need some calm, quiet and reflective space. This is a great example of how architecture can benefit a persons mental wellbeing and why well considered design should be applied to all typologies.