CAMHS Udston Hospital, South Lanarkshire

Altro help transform spaces for mental wellbeing

Issue

The old unit was originally a hospital ward which had been de-canted and empty since the COVID-19 pandemic. This included bedrooms, shower rooms, and kitchens in an old-fashioned community hospital building.

Approach

The building was stripped out and architects Hypostyle were enlisted to re-design all spaces as part of the major refurbishment programme. These spaces included a reception and waiting area, treatment office, corridors, and therapeutic rooms. The local Altro specification consultant provided guidance on suitable products when considering infection control, hygiene requirements, and NHS standards, and local children and young people were consulted on the colour scheme. A natural, calming atmosphere was required, one that reflected the hospital gardens and nearby woods, and Hypostyle provided the internal design specification.

Solution

To create a welcoming, biophilic theme, Altro Suprema in a natural tone and Altro Wood adhesive-free were specified for the reception, corridors, waiting area and treatment rooms.

Helping to reduce noise transference, Altro Orchestra with 15dB impact sound reduction, was specified for the offices. For hygiene and safety, Altro Whiterock White and Altro Suprema were specified for the bathrooms.

“It takes a lot of courage for young people to attend CAMHs – it can be an anxious time for them and for one of them to say ‘This place is wonderful, it has made me feel better already’ has confirmed that we have achieved our overall goal to create a welcoming, calm and comfortable environment. This is now the standard we will be aiming for in all future projects.”

Altro Whiterock White hygienic wall cladding is a proven, high performance alternative to ceramic tiles.

Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces.

Altro Suprema is a non-sparkle, low-gloss safety flooring with superior stain, abrasion and scratch resistance suitable for very heavy commercial use, foot and wheeled traffic.

Altro Orchestra provides 15dB sound reduction and comfort underfoot in a wide choice of colours and five designs.