Mental Health
Garden, Ulster Hospital

Our healthcare Client had identified an area of land adjacent to the Mental Health Ward at the Ulster Hospital, in Dundonald. The task was to deliver an accessible, functional, safe and secure environment within which patients with mental health issues could relax or have therapy sessions with departmental staff. The design concept was developed in collaboration with McIlwaine Landscape Architects and includes circuitous pathways winding through varied planted areas, or zones, within the garden space. Planting was selected with patient safety in mind. Different surfaces from decorative concrete, to stepping stones and grassed areas create a variety of textures and colours to be enjoyed and the fully glazed garden room, with louvered roof, provides a safe and secure space to shelter from the elements, or just to allow a more quiet space for contemplation or one-to-one discussion.

The area is accessible and enclosed by a high perimeter fence with solid panels, again specified for its safety features for use with specialised patient needs. The panels carry a woodland motif surrounding the garden to minimise the feeling of enclosure while maintaining a safe and secure space.