A therapeutic garden combining architecture and nature creates restorative spaces supporting recovery, social interaction, and accessible year-round refuge for patients.
A therapeutic garden combining architecture and nature creates restorative spaces supporting recovery, social interaction, and accessible year-round refuge for patients.
At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, the garden developed by Horatio’s Garden supports the recovery and wellbeing for patients undergoing spinal cord injury rehabilitation. The site includes landscaped gardens alongside a central garden room and three smaller pods, creating sheltered spaces for therapy, conversation, and quiet reflection. Designed by Marshall Architects, the project integrates architecture within the landscape so patients, families, and staff can move easily between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the year.
AWA’s structural design for the buildings was conceived using cut and glulam timber, allowing exposed timber elements to become a defining architectural feature. Several elements required precise engineering, including cantilevered members that enable cornerless openings. Close coordination with the architect ensured structural elements aligned with the architectural vision and the buildings remained elegant.
Accessibility was a key driver throughout the project. Careful structural detailing provided level thresholds for wheelchair users to move smoothly between internal spaces and garden pathways. Due to poor ground conditions, AWA designed screw pile foundations suited to the lightweight timber structures while minimising disturbance to tree roots. The result is a robust yet sensitive structural solution supporting a calm, inclusive therapeutic environment.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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