The Friends Garden at Great Ormond Street Hospital

We all need a space to switch off and relax. So we designed this space for Great Ormond Street Hospital staff to do just that, to relax and enjoy away from the busy hospital wards. We worked with multi award-winning gardener, Andy Sturgeon, to create a calm, green oasis on the roof of this important children’s hospital. Capitalising on the fantastic views across London, the Friend’s Garden is also used as a venue for functions and events.

The distinction between inside and outside is blurred, with folding sliding doors that peel back and internal flooring that extends out onto the terrace. Planting is used to create semi-private areas and raised platforms of grass feature timber borders that can be used for seating.

The Friend’s Garden was named ‘NHS Best External Space’ at the Building Better Healthcare Awards in 2008.