The McCall Hospice House

Construction on Batson Architects’ design for Hospice House of Greenville began in the fall of 2005. The 30,000 SF, $7.2 million project, scheduled to open in 2007, is a community partnership involving Hospice House of Greenville, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and Greenville Technical College.

According to Michael Nelon, one of the project architects, the firm’s primary design objective was simple: “We wanted to de-institutionalize the institution,” he said. “Our design is centered around the patient rooms for a more residential feel.” When completed, Hospice House will feature 30 patient rooms, each with a private bathroom and patio. The rooms will look out onto an interior courtyard with either a view of a reflecting pond or the Reedy River. The patios are designed to allow beds to be wheeled outside for patient enjoyment.

“Clinical studies show that gardens benefit patients and staff alike,” Nelon said. “They’re filled with life and encourage contemplation, which helps people cope with stress.” In addition to the central courtyard, the firm’s design also calls for three smaller gardens and walking paths along the Reedy River.

Hospice House will feature an educational component, with meeting rooms to teach patients and families how to cope with end-of-life issues. The design also calls for three family gathering areas and two children’s playrooms. “This will be a peaceful place, but it won’t be as quiet as a library,” said Louis Batson, President and Principal-In-Charge of Batson Architects, “The residents will enjoy hearing laughter and the sound of children playing.”

Watch this space for quarterly updates on construction. For a more detailed look at the design and how we worked with Hospice House of Greenville to develop it, email Michael Nelon at gmnelon@bainc.com or call him at 864.233.2232.