Incredible design plans for St Ann’s Hospice go above and beyond usual stereotypes

Axi, an architecture and interior design studio in Manchester, is creating the interior design of a world-class palliative care facility akin to a five-star hotel for St Ann’s Hospice’s new building.

The group has designed a comfortable, homely and welcoming space while keeping the infection control and hygiene levels that are vital for the facility as a priority at all times.

This is all due to its clever interior design solutions, which will create a technically compliant and unique Manchester hospice. Axi has been working with St Ann’s Hospice since the start of last year and has designed a thorough and well-thought-out design plan using CGI. Both St Ann’s and Axi were clear from the beginning that their vision for the new building was for it not to look like a typical hospice, and that it didn’t have that often overly medical or clinical feel.

Their main goal is to make the space a welcoming area for families to come to gether and for those at the hospice to feel as close to home as possible.

Sarah de Freitas, Creative Director of Axi, says: “We want the new hospice to be somewhere friendly and relaxing, not sterile, which these places can often be. We want patients and families to feel relaxed and at ease when they are at the hospice.

“We’re keeping the bedrooms simple with clean lines and a neutral palette. All necessary medical equipment will be housed within considered joinery, preventing the rooms from feeling cluttered. By pairing timbers with a neutral colour palette, we’ll provide a calm and relaxing environment.

“A timber-effect vinyl flooring will be used for practicality, but we have worked with specialist suppliers to ensure it looks as close to real timber as possible. We have opted for a lighter-toned wood to keep the space bright and to provide a clean and contemporary look.

“The use of timber connects with the architect’s vision for the building itself, all the rooms are positioned around a central courtyard, allowing each patient to have their own terrace space and direct access into the communal gardens. We have tried to use this vision of connecting patients to nature where possible when making interior design decisions.”

Lucy Atwood, interior designer at Axi, added: “By introducing softer colours and tones, such as blues and greens, we will keep the rooms feeling fresh. We’ll also be installing sheer curtains and any other homely touches that keep those at the hospice feeling comfortable.

“Another important feature is the soft lighting, which will be used instead of the glaring clinical lights associated with a very sterile environment. Making each room a soft, inviting and calm space will mimic the overall feel of the new building.

“Providing a practical environment for the hospice staff to work in is at the forefront of our minds when designing the new build, as we have juggled many aspects to create the perfect space. Com bining medical needs and hospitality will make a welcoming environment, which we can’t wait to see come to life.”

Axi has been working alongside the architects and team from the hospice, with a collaborative approach combining all aspects of the new build.

Anne-Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising at St Ann’s, said: “It has been an exciting process to work with the team at Axi and bring our vision for the new hospice to life. We are all committed to ensuring the new hospice is a welcoming, relaxing place for our patients and their families. The designs by Axi have more than achieved this vision and we think together we have created something really special.”

Central to the design of the new hospice are the 21 private bedrooms. You can help to bring these beautiful rooms to life by sponsoring a bedroom. To find out more, visit www.sah.org.uk/newhospicebedrooms