GRANGEWOOD MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS UNIT OFFICIALLY OPENED

Grangewood, a new mental health crisis unit near Gransha designed by Avanti Architects in collaboration with Kennedy Fitzgerald, was officially opened on Tuesday 17th December.
The ribbon was cut by Edwin Poots, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
The unit is operated by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. Speaking at the launch, its chairman, Gerard Guckian said:

“This marvellous new facility is one of the most unique, modern and patient-centred facilities now available in Northern Ireland. It will provide mental health services for those individuals in crisis and act as a sanctuary conducive to recovery and improvement in mental health and well-being.”

Duncan Finch, Associate Director at Avanti Architects said:

“We are proud to have been involved in this project that exemplifies the most advanced thinking in mental health care.
The completed building retains all the features that were integral to our competition winning design, and in particular reflects our belief that design that works with nature, through integration into the landscape, bringing daylight into the heart of the building, connecting internal and external space, and using natural materials, can have genuine therapeutic benefits.”

The 30 bed unit has been built to enable a new care strategy that prioritises enhanced home treatment, supported by short-term residential care when required. The new building is highly flexible in use, and is attractive and therapeutic in character while also achieving clinical requirements such as patient observation and the prevention of self-harm.

A great deal of care was given to the design of internal spaces, which feature natural materials and integrated artwork, and are arranged to ensure all areas have natural light and views to the surrounding gardens.

The external environment has also been carefully designed, integrating the building into the landscape and creating gardens that are secure but uplifting in character.