The Ark, Noah's Ark Children's Hospice

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is a new facility for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families. The Ark was delivered by a collaborative team supporting Noah’s Ark to increase their work with families in North and Central London.

Seeking an uplifting space for palliative care, relaxation and adventure within a ‘home from home’ environment, Noah’s Ark aspired to create a peaceful sanctuary in which children are allowed to be children, not just patients, and young people and their families can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Squire and Partners’ concept established an eroded square form with landscaped gardens carving into each of the four sides to create views into the surrounding nature reserve. Adding a double-height oak-framed hall at the centre to connect the four ‘wings’ of the building evolved a butterfly shaped plan – the symbol of the children’s hospice movement, depicting a brief but beautiful life.

The central hall creates a light open volume for families to come together and socialise, with a palette of natural materials. Colour is added with furniture, books and toys, while downlighters and pendant lights create warm tones.

The wings provide areas for therapy (soft play, sensory, music and art), children’s bedrooms, family rooms and administration. At lower ground level more private functions include bereavement suites, a multi-faith room and staff facilities.

Designs ensure that children’s beds and mobility equipment can be moved throughout the building as well as onto large south facing external decks, allowing children to engage in a variety of activities during their time at The Ark.