Margaret’s Place Hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa

Project Description

170 Ogilvie Street in Dundas, Ontario is the location of Margaret’s Place Hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa. UrbanSolutions secured approvals of Minor Variance applications and Site Plan.

Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas is designed to be the antithesis of a traditional hospital, while maintaining all the infrastructure to provide excellence in care for its terminally ill residents. The 25,000 sq. ft. hospice opened in September 2021, a structure nestled on the edge of a wooded ravine, which became the inspiration for all aspects of the design. The design walked this delicate balance by connecting the hospice with its natural surroundings, paying attention to every detail that would support meaning, comfort and peace for residents, their families and caregivers. The home-like environment, one designed as inclusive and available to all, had to seamlessly blend with resident care. An innovative detail – each room has a private, covered deck, with patio doors designed larger than standard, allowing patient beds to be wheeled outside and connect with nature at all stages of their journey with the hospice.

The layout of Margaret’s Place was dictated by the ravine that borders it to the South West of its site, become a large v, arranged into two central corridors with the central atrium at its heart. Resident’s rooms line one side of the halls, so that all resident rooms feature walls of windows overlooking the ravine. Each suite includes convertible chairs that turn into beds for guests who want to remain close; fireplaces and televisions; walls for family photographs, making each space personal; and a private, fully accessible en-suite. Residents can adjust their own lighting, blinds, heating, cooling, fireplaces, TV and phone from a tablet. Perhaps one of the most meaningful details, the doors in each resident suite is large enough to bring beds outside to a private enclosed patio, so no matter their ability, the residents have the opportunity to feel sun and rain, interact with the many deer and wildlife that visit the Hospice and connect with nature.

Lining the opposite side of each corridor are nursing stations, therapy rooms, and quiet spaces for families, the essential functions of the healthcare space, but where the views are not of primary importance. At the end of each corridor are smaller, more intimate family living rooms, one with a library and large window seat. At the heart of the facility is a great room, with double height ceilings and stunning views, providing the backdrop for a kitchen and dining, living room, children’s area and expansive deck.

The wood-framed structure uses rustic Douglas-fir columns, natural cedar, hand-cut and carved stone. Each material was measured against their warmth and home-like qualities, as well as durability, ease to clean, ability to meet infection control standards and adhered to newly developed provincial guidelines with no VOC. The space as purposefully designed with a high-efficiency building envelope, promoting daylighting and access to views of the landscape. For these reasons we employed a wood frame construction with heavy timber elements and slab on grade foundation.

Links:

St. Josephs: Margaret’s Place Hospice

A Center of Excellence. A Community of Care. A Network of Hope

Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand Brant Health Line 

The Catholic Register: Margaret’s Place Hospice a Gift of Love