Hope House

Oswestry | Hospice | Care

Some projects stay with you long after the drawings are finished.

The Hope House Hospice Welcome Area will be one of them.

We're incredibly proud to have completed the transformation of this important space, creating a warm, inclusive and uplifting arrival experience for families, visitors, volunteers and staff.

The brief was simple but powerful:

How can we make people feel welcome from the moment they arrive?

Rather than creating a traditional reception space, we focused on designing a journey. A space inspired by the Shropshire countryside, nature, wellbeing and the idea of "home" — creating an environment that feels calm, reassuring and easy to navigate for everyone.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

🌿 Natural materials and biophilic design principles

🌿 Soft, calming colour palettes inspired by nature

🌿 Inclusive wayfinding to support confidence and independence

🌿 Sensory considerations to create a more comfortable experience

🌿 Durable, commercial-grade finishes suitable for a healthcare environment

🌿 Thoughtful details designed around the needs of children, families and visitors

Throughout the design, we incorporated:

One of the most important elements of the project is the bespoke multi-level reception desk. Designed to be accessible for everyone, whether arriving in a wheelchair, a hospital bed, as a child, or as an adult, the desk ensures every visitor can engage comfortably and confidently from the moment they enter.

We also transformed the central structural column into a feature tree, extending into a sculptural ceiling canopy above. This wasn't simply an aesthetic decision. It was designed to create a sense of wonder and inclusion for those who experience the space differently — particularly children and individuals arriving in wheelchairs, specialist seating, or beds, for whom the ceiling often becomes a significant part of their visual experience. By bringing nature overhead, the arrival journey becomes engaging and uplifting from every perspective.