Cygnet Health Care is proud to announce that Cygnet Elowen Hospital has been shortlisted in the Project of the Year (Refurbishment) category at the Design in Mental Health Awards.
The shortlisting recognises the 24-bed hospital’s transformation from a former nursing home into a specialist service supporting adults with eating disorders and complex personality disorders. It was officially opened in July 2025.
Every element of Cygnet Elowen Hospital, in Shipley, Heanor, has been carefully designed to create a safe, nurturing and non-institutional environment. Drawing on research into the impact of colour, texture and light on mental health, the interiors feature calming palettes, layered materials and meaningful artwork to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of familiarity. Clinical features and safety measures have been thoughtfully integrated to maintain dignity and comfort, helping individuals feel at home during often lengthy admissions.
The hospital’s layout has been designed with flexibility in mind. Two wards support tailored, phased recovery pathways, while a range of communal and quieter sensory spaces encourage both social connection and emotional regulation. Each area has been created to feel empowering, supporting individuals to rebuild independence and resilience at their own pace.
The design also reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity. The team incorporated principles from the Autistic SPACE framework, ensuring the environment is neurodiversity-affirming and responsive to sensory, communication and emotional needs.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the refurbishment. High-quality, durable materials were selected to balance safety, infection control and longevity, while energy-efficient systems ensure the building remains environmentally responsible. Collaboration with suppliers also led to the development of innovative furniture and finishes that combine safety with a homely aesthetic.
Central to the project’s success has been the collaborative approach taken by Cygnet’s Design & Property team, alongside clinical and operational colleagues and experts by experience. The team worked closely with former patients to ensure the design of the hospital reflected the needs of patients.
Hannah Cooper, Cygnet’s Interior Fit Out Lead, explained: “We are delighted that Cygnet Elowen Hospital has been recognised by the Design in Mental Health Awards. The project places therapeutic design, recovery and co-production at its core, demonstrating how the built environment can play a vital role in improving wellbeing and clinical outcomes.
“Our co-production model shaped both the environment and care approach from concept to completion, challenging traditional design norms and helping to set new standards for therapeutic healthcare spaces.
“This project shows what can be achieved when design, clinical expertise and lived experience come together with a shared focus on recovery. Elowen is more than a refurbishment, it is a model for how thoughtfully designed environments can support better outcomes for patients and staff alike.”
The winners of the Design in Mental Health Awards will be announced later this year.
