CMS completes glazing package for Glasgow’s innovative new ‘Sengetun’ hospice

CMS Window Systems has delivered an extensive package of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling for a new £21m hospice in Glasgow, which its development team has designed to provide palliative care services fit for the 21st century in a homely and respectful environment.

Designed by Ryder Architecture and built by main contractor Balfour Beatty, The new Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, created in the city’s leafy green Bellahouston Park, is the first hospice in the UK to follow the Sengetun model of care, which has "placemaking" at the centre of its approach.

Its innovative, state-of-the-art Scandinavian design puts patients and families first, with the provision of space for privacy, dignity and compassionate care for all ages. It is based on research that shows the aesthetic design of a healthcare facility has a measurable impact on patients’ wellbeing.

Importantly, the architecture of the new hospice now allows for palliative care of people as young as 16, which previously was not possible at the former Carlton Place site. The new building houses state-of-the-art facilities that cater especially for young people, including a sensory room and young people's lounge, and there is spacious accommodation for families to stay over.

The new building’s location in Bellahouston Park helps to ensures all senses contribute to enhancing patient care, including sunlight, warmth and the landscape, which support the functions of the building, and create a feeling of home. For this reason, the design of the windows and doors allows for maximum natural daylighting and uncluttered views, with the brief being for high performance aluminium fenestration throughout.

CMS Window Systems, based near Glasgow at Castlecary and a long term supporter of the hospice’s ‘Brick by Brick’ fundraising campaign, was awarded the circa £0.5m glazing contract in a competitive tender, with the specification built around a combination of Metal Technology systems. It was a project that encompassed around 500 m2 of Metal Technology System 17 curtain walling and Metal Technology 5-20 / 7-20 doors. All aluminium profiles, flashings and fixing brackets were finished in RAL 1035 (pearl beige.)  

Anne Hattie, Director of Operations at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice said “The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is absolutely delighted that CMS Window Systems helped us achieve one of our main objectives in building our new hospice: we wanted to bring the outside in, and allow patients and families to enjoy the great views of our landscape gardens.”

Stephen Anderson, Aluminium Director at CMS Window Systems added: “The new Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is a superb new facility that is set to give local people the very best quality of palliative care. After eight years in the planning and construction, it is fantastic to see it come to fruition and to have been part of the project team.”