Hinterland Studio were commissioned by NHS Lothian Charity to develop design proposals that bring life and colour to the existing
garden with additional hard landscape areas, planting, furniture, structures and any other elements. Ward 1 combines complex and
end of life care, and as such the proposals need to be responsive to the requirements of staff and patients. The proposals, developed
following consultation with staff, bring the natural world in, creating a connection to the countryside, bringing colour, wildlife value and softness to the garden area.
The Ward 1 garden design combines an enclosed area, (accessed via a gate that allows a more private space for patients and their families) with a second more open zone that extends around the perimeter of the building, creating a soft buffer between the building and public paths.

The enclosed area comprises a new self binding gravel path, which gives greater access to the garden area for bed and chair bound patients and their families. The path encloses areas of ornamental planting, which focus on use of taller flowering species so that they can be seen both from beds brought out into the garden and from inside the building. The colours of the planting draw on the architectural facade detailing, with colours ranging from soft orange through to purple. The existing terrace area is to be enlivened with the addition of raised planters, bringing the colour into this flexible space. A shelter structure forms a focal point at the edge of the terrace, with the path leading through it and into the garden. The garden areas beyond the path are made up of natural and informal wildflower meadow, mixed tree planting with bird baths and feeders to encourage movement and life into the garden. Raised planters line the existing path, and are positioned where they can be seen in front of windows.