A natural connection: Dorset’s treetop PICU

There is a shortage of facilities in the south of England for children and young people with an acute mental health illness who cannot be safely cared for on a General Adolescent Unit, and — Medical Architecture explained in its entry — this new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) PICU for Dorset HealthCare, named Seastone, will enable staff to effectively treat 12- to 18-year-old patients who display highly complex and challenging behaviours 'in a secure and dignified setting'.

The architects said of the location: "Taking advantage of the steeply sloping site and woodland setting, the new building is located on an existing plateau, elevating the patient accommodation so there is a direct connection to the surrounding trees. It is positioned at a lower elevation to the Victorian-built Grade II-Listed Royal Herbert Hospital, from which the roof forms a prominent visual feature. The design proposes a high-quality standing seam zinc roof finish and a buff brick base which complement the heritage building, and ensure the longevity of the building envelope."

"Considering the complex needs of the patient group," the entry explained, "the building has been designed to ensure safety and wellbeing. Clear zoning of accommodation enables patients to co-exist in harmony with opportunities for separation to de-escalate tension. All patient accommodation and clinical space is located on a single level, linked by comfortably wide circulation, enabling an ease of movement between zones, and clear sightlines for staff."