Central Okanagan Hospice
Kelowna, British Columbia

The Interior Health Authority required a 24-bed hospice for its site in Kelowna. Planning for the hospice was to include developing the design to accommodate a 12-bed future build out that would integrate with the riparian and building setbacks of the triangular site set next to Mill Creek. Designed in association with Bevanda Architecture, the design works with both the opportunities and restraints posed by the creek, maximizing the exposure of resident areas to the therapeutic creek environment while protecting and enhancing the riparian habitat.

Every effort has been made in the design to make the facility welcoming and home-like for residents and their visiting family and friends. A water theme was used to select materials such as river rock for fireplaces, floor patterning in the "main street", and pebbled back splashes in kitchen areas. Views to the creek have been emphasized, both in the private rooms and the shared living areas. There is an extensive use of wood products and the two-storey high main street features an exposed heavy timber structure.

The hospice is organized into “houses” of 12 beds each. Each house has its own entrance off a central circulation spine or main street, which acts as the primary organizing element for the facility. The reception and staff support area are oriented to the day-lit main street, as well as to the front of the building. Spaces that are common to the three houses are located along the main street and include a resource library, multi-purpose memorial room, common washroom, and staff break room.