New North Zealand Hospital has been nominated for the prestigious Danish Design Award in the Visionary Concepts category. The reason is that the new super hospital in Hillerød breaks the boundary between illness and health, challenging the hospital’s traditional role with its focus on well-being and a unique connection to nature.

Many hospitals often share the same institutional expression. Recent research shows that a traditional hospital layout can make otherwise healthy patients feel unwell, weakening them both physically and emotionally.

With a budget of around DKK 4 billion, New North Zealand Hospital aims to break down the boundaries between illness and health and provide well-being – not just treatment. The goal is for the new super hospital in Hillerød to redefine how we perceive and build a hospital.

This has now led to the project’s nomination for a Danish Design Award in the Visionary Concepts category.

“The foundation for the build is the idea of a connection to nature and a desire to challenge the hospital’s traditional role. The new hospital is designed on a human scale with two-level buildings – unusual for this type of construction – and with extensive use of natural materials and daylight,” writes the jury in its reasoning for nominating New North Zealand Hospital for the award.

Well-being to promote faster recovery

Stress is a decisive factor in how quickly patients recover. The hospital is designed with a focus on patients’ well-being and privacy. At New North Zealand Hospital, all rooms are single rooms, and the extra square metres are a good investment – both for patient privacy and economically. Single rooms mean patients experience less stress and are expected to recover faster and be discharged sooner.

Wood is a recurring element in the hospital’s interior and façade. Soft forms, daylight, and views of the inner green garden create a more homely atmosphere, with nature ever present.

The new hospital will contain around 20 clinical functions and will serve over 310,000 citizens, who previously used hospitals in Hillerød, Helsingør, and Frederikssund.

The hospital’s floor area is approximately 118,000 m² and will include 570 patient rooms, including an emergency department and intensive care unit, as well as outpatient clinics, operating theatres, and more.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Visit our Danish Design Awards finalist page:here.