DMA

We are pleased to announce that planning approval has been given for the first stage of work at Claire House. This is our first project based in the North West and it is one that is close to our hearts.

Claire House is a charity that provides end-of-life care and support for children and their families. We were appointed to create new facilities for them following an invited design competition for their new premises, a monastery built in the 1800s. The brief requires very specific hospice accommodation; an end-of-life care unit, respite facilities and  “butterfly suite” where children are laid to rest.

Our design aims to create a place that lifts spirits and makes everyone at Claire House feel safe and supported, bringing back a sense of normality to family life. The relationship between the new building and monastery creates a private courtyard space to bring more daylight into the rooms and increase views into the landscape. Play rooms open on to it and the garden provides an oasis for staff welfare.

In May, working with Curtins and Steven Hunt Associates, we developed a detailed planning application to create a new 100sqm glazed atrium on the site. Part of the initial outline plan, this new space will give Claire House’s teenagers their own space to hang out and socialise together, whilst it’s flexible design will also allow use for events and fundraisers. The delivery of this new facility is a really important step in the overall project and it has been made possible with generous funding from the Gerrard Foundation.

A few of our team were to take part in a sponsored cycle ride in July to help raise funds, but this was postponed due to the Coronavirus crisis. However, they are still able to participate and raise funds by joining the 2020 Virtual Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool 100 mile sponsored bike ride that takes place on 27 September. The challenge allows you to pick your own route so our small team of cycling enthusiasts have chosen to cycle between the two Claire Houses – from Claire House Wirral to Claire House West Derby. If you would like to sponsor them and raise funds for Claire House, here is a link to their Just Giving page.

We are really excited about this project and will give regular updates as it progresses and keep you posted about fundraising activities. In the meantime, below are a few of the illustrations that were part of our submission for the original design competition.