Royal Papworth Hospital

HOK led the design for Royal Papworth Hospital’s new home on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a research hub set to become one of the world’s leading centers for science and healthcare discovery.

The 300-bed facility embraces the history and mission of the Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as one of Europe’s leading centers for heart and lung care. It offers patients immediate access to a range of services while helping to attract leading clinicians and researchers.

The hospital’s striking architectural form and scenic landscaped grounds welcome patients and families onto the property. That welcoming atmosphere continues inside, with the building’s two central atria drawing warm and calming natural light deep into waiting areas and other public spaces.

The design further enhances the Trust’s model of care by creating separate zones for ambulatory or outpatient care, emergency services, and diagnostic and treatment functions. The clear distinction of these areas creates an environment that is easy-to-navigate, streamlines admissions and allows for efficient patient transfers.

All patients have their own room on the inner or the outer ring. Though they are identical, the building geometry makes each room feel unique. The glazed folding walls between the room and internal corridor provide a visual connection between patient and staff and ease of access for beds to be moved for treatment.

The hospital’s park-like setting features green spaces organized around a duck pond (a cherished feature from the old location) that provides patients, family and staff a link to nature that aids in the healing process.

From the RIBA East award description: “The Royal Papworth Hospital is an example of how a building type, where functional requirements necessarily drive the design, can be elevated through good design to a building that lifts the spirits.”

HOK delivered the hospital in partnership with development and construction firm Skanska.