Hummingbird House is a state-of-the-art facility, designed by ThomsonAdsett, which helps families affected by life-limiting illness. We take a look at how this type of space advocates for legacy and resilience and how design is critical to its success.

Hummingbird House is the only one of its kind in Queensland, and only the third for Australia. With so few examples to work from, how did the architects approach the project and ensure that it would have a successful design outcome?

The new facility is a first for Queensland.

The project was developed with a human-centred design approach, involving an extensive briefing and engagement process that included workshopping and research. ThomsonAdsett, who also worked in collaboration with Surroundings Architects, interviewed families associated with the organisation, along with clinicians and other children’s hospice providers from across Australia and the UK.

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The design itself is seen as a warm embrace for families who are facing emotional and traumatic experiences.
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The design itself is seen as a warm embrace for families who are facing emotional and traumatic experiences. The space incorporates flexible design elements so guests can choose how they engage with the facility. Among the design features are an outdoor cinema space, a pool and landscaped gardens. The new design also features a rooftop space, which can support workshops and events.

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Among the design features are an outdoor cinema space, a pool and landscaped gardens.
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“Often teenagers who are not expected to reach adulthood do not get opportunities to express what they stand for or what they want to be remembered for,” explains Hummingbird House co-founder, Fiona Hawthorne, “This will address their legacy and resilience.”

The facility includes a pool for guests, equipped to deal with people with a range of abilities.

Hummingbird House has a range of accommodation options including eight ‘Guests In-Care’ bedrooms, and three two-bedroom adaptable apartments. By providing thoughtful and flexible spaces for families with terminally ill children, Hummingbird House delivers humanity through design.

For more stories that look at the changing landscape of healthcare design, grab a copy of the latest issue of Indesign: the ‘design pharmacy’ issue.