| 87 Sheppard & Rout Architects ARCHITECTURE J.B.Joinery Ltd 18 Hands Road, Addington PO Box 6062, Christchurch Ph 03 338 4159 info@jbjoinery.co.nz Specialists in Architectural and Commercial Joinery Kakahu Waihi Tasman Piha Cambridge Proud to support Sheppard & Routs Architects 189 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch 8042 Phone: +64 341 5036 | Email: info@clay-bricks.co.nz | www.clay-bricks.co.nz www.lewisbradford.com Lewis Bradford is proud to have provided the structural engineering expertise for the Nurse Maude Hospice. Congratulations to Sheppard and Rout Architects, Nurse Maude Association, Rubix and the wider project team on this important development. T T Kim Newth Comfort, dignity and peace A richly symbolic cultural narrative is woven into every aspect of the design from entrance screens to pou, carved panels and timber panelling. Photos: Sarah Rowlands Photography. Nurse Maude’s new purpose-built hospice in Christchurch, which opened in June, combines compassionate, specialist inpatient palliative care with beautiful architecture and carefully considered landscaping to create a place of comfort, dignity and peace. Sheppard & Rout Associate Director Matt Gutsell, who led the design evolution from its inception in 2014, worked alongside Nurse Maude to bring their values-based vision to fruition. For Matt, honing the original concept began by visiting a number of existing hospice facilities with core members of the Nurse Maude team including Hospice Service Manager Jane Rollings and Palliative Care Nurse Educator Raewyn Jenkins. “We agreed that we didn’t want the new hospice to feel too clinical,” he says. “In turn, that drove the concept behind the building’s materiality, favouring natural materials to create a warm and welcoming feel.” After completing an initial concept design, the project went on hold for a time while sites, options and budget were considered. The original concept was subsequently reviewed in 2021, and refined through preliminary design, developed design, followed by tendering and construction by Cook Brothers. “They were absolutely the right contractor, in terms of their approach to the building and understanding its importance.” Set back on a long, narrow site, the new hospice presents as two gently curving forms finished in soft grey brick and connected by an elevated skillion-roofed structure. The hospice design reflects Nurse Maude’s values and holistic model of caring for the whole person. A richly symbolic cultural narrative is woven into every aspect of the design from entrance screens to pou, carved panels and timber panelling. Visitors pass through the lower entrance into the main entry foyer, a light-filled space of generous volume with impressive structural glulam frames and embedded panels that beautifully express themes of strength, resilience, connection and care. Spotted Gum linings add to the feeling of warmth. As well as reception, the entry building includes well-connected outpatient, counselling rooms and breakout spaces. From entry, a long corridor leads past the nurses’ station to the patient wing. Unlike a traditional hospital corridor, this one is light, warm, carpeted and has gently angled walls leading into patient rooms. Handrails are of solid hardwood and there is acoustic panelling to soften sound. Up to 13 patients can be cared for at the new facility. Patient rooms have been designed to feel homely and warm, with connection to courtyards and special touches like day beds for visiting whānau. “All the whānau, staff and education spaces also revolve around the courtyard, which brings light into the centre of the hospice and provides connection to nature. We worked closely with Kamo Marsh’s talented team on landscaping. This project really highlighted to me the importance of creating space for both family and staff to take a break and get some respite.” Other key members of the Sheppard & Rout team were Mel North, Thomas Strange, Ella van der Lingen and Steve Foote.
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