Cynon Valley Hospital

In response to calls for improved Primary Care and Chronic Disease management services in South Wales, the Cwm Taf Local Health Board embarked on a scheme to focus Intermediate Care on prevention and rehabilitation. This is seen as a fundamental catalyst to the social regeneration objectives for the area, and is paramount in promoting community activity and sustainability.

Rooted in empathy and shaped through collaboration with local stakeholders, the hospital reflects the valley’s resilience, and offers a long-deserved investment in its future. More than a building, it is a symbol of renewal and local pride.

Located in Mountain Ash, north of Cardiff, the new hospital building provides rehabilitation and intermediate care beds, and numerous supporting therapy functions as well as Women & Children’s services in the form of focused and outpatient facilities. A mental health unit provides in-patient and outpatient services.

The building is focused on patient care through the therapeutic environment; its design harnesses natural daylight and views of the surrounding landscape, and uses spatial quality, colour, comfort levels, materials and public artwork to create a non-institutional feel and enhance the psychological wellbeing of both patients and staff.

Sustainability went hand-in-hand with patient care throughout our design approach.

Practical and sustainable features include naturally ventilated wards that make the most of daylight and passive climate control, and a biomass hot water system that further reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and operating costs.

A simple wayfinding strategy ensures accessibility for all, and the flexible layout futureproofs the building for evolving healthcare needs.

By combining therapeutic design with sustainable thinking, we created a hospital that not only supports recovery today but continues to serve the community and environment long into the future.