University Hospital Galway

The AAMHU at University Hospital Galway was formally opened in 2018. The facility is located on a very compact site and enclosed site on the edge of the Hospital campus. It provides circa. 10,000sq. of centralised mental health accommodation within a stand alone building incorporating 50 in-patient beds, providing various levels of support and needs. The intended use and the location has been reflected in the architecture form that is more domestic in materiality, scale and design, than an institutional building.

The plan is based on providing self contained ward blocks, all accessed from the main foyer. Each block is provided with dedicated external areas for patient relaxation and occupational therapy etc. within 2 separate landscaped Courtyard Gardens at Klevel G and a Roof Garden at Level 1.

The brief comprised two 18 bed wards, located at Level G, a further 6 bed Assessment Ward also at Level G, and a 10 bed Elderly Patient ward. All accommodation is in accordance with updated room area requirements. At level 1 the brief provided for 10 consultants rooms, a Clinical Director Suite and Student areas. Staff support services are also provided at Level 1.

Although Campus based, the intention was for the facility to be ‘non-institution’ as it is primarily a short term residential facility. This has been realised in the final scheme which has incorporated a scale and architectural design that is more city centre contemporary building that is more ‘Apartment’ rather than ‘Healthcare’ in its aesthetic.

Michael Regan of EPCA was Director in Charge / Design and Project Architect for this project whilst Managing Director of Reddy O’Riordan Staehli Architects