Interior Design School of Design
Tess Bradley
As a designer, my aim is to create spaces that inspire and support people, with a strong focus on the needs of those who use them. During my time at the Glasgow School of Art, I explored this ethos through a variety of projects. In my final year, I designed a respite retreat for cancer patients at various stages of treatment. This project was inspired by my four years of experience working as a community carer, during which I had the privilege of supporting several individuals living with cancer. That experience shaped my approach and helped me design a space that holds significant meaning for me.
Evergreen Respite Retreat
This project proposes a retreat for cancer patients within Glasgow and surrounding areas that are seeking respite and support, offering a sanctuary for healing, connection and comfort. Through a range of comprehensive activities and guidance from healthcare professionals, the retreat aims to address not only the physical challenges of cancer recovery but also the emotional needs of individuals.
Evergreen retreat stands apart from other cancer support facilities within Glasgow by offering short-term residential stays, allowing patients to temporarily step away from the stresses of daily life and fully immerse themselves in a comforting environment focused on rest, recovery and personal reflection.
The Site
Former Stables and Sawmill
Pollok Country Park, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AU
I chose this site because of its idyllic setting, offering a peaceful environment that’s perfect for relaxation and healing. Situated just outside the busy city centre, it provides a tranquil escape while still being conveniently accessible.
North-West Wing
The North-West Wing of the former stables houses all of the bedrooms. This wing was designed to maximise comfort and provide a sense of familiarity to the cancer patients while also having the added luxuries you would expect to have within a hotel. The bedrooms were designed to be a complete contrast to a hospital bedroom, using a calming colour palette, natural textures and soft furnishings to add to this homely aesthetic.
East Wing
The East Wing provides communal spaces for living, reflecting, and expressing emotions. The communal living space offers a lounge area with comfortable seating, a kitchenette/coffee station, dining and work spaces, making it a multi-functioning space where patients have their home comforts. This was an important addition to the retreat to ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable within this environment. The space is bright during the day with added roof-lights and in the evening becomes a cosy, safe space built for relaxation.
The Art studio was designed because art is a form of therapy for cancer patients, providing a way to release both positive and negative emotions through art.
The indoor garden offers a place for self-reflection within a tranquil atmosphere, and the self-reflection pods allow patients to immerse themselves in the environment and reflect on their cancer journey so far or their time at Evergreen Retreat.
South-West Wing
The South-West Wing is dedicated to wellness and education, offering patients a space to unwind, restore strength and engage in a variety of supportive activities. Wellness services, including yoga, massage and beauty treatments are avaliable to promote both physical and mental well-being.This wing also includes an education room for mindfulness and nutrition classes, a library space and a therapy roomwhere patients can explore their emotions and recieve guidance from trained professionals.
The design of these spaxes emphasises natural light anf tranquility. Roor lights were added throughout to maximise daylight, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere. A predominantly neutral colour palette is used, with subtle pops of colour to bring warmth to the spaces. The library, in contrast to the more open feel of the other areas, offers a cosy, inviting environment to encourage rest and quiet reflection.
Pool Conservatory
The Pool Conservatory was designed to better connect each wing of the Stables. The original layout felt quite closed off, with the only access between wings being through the central courtyard. While the courtyard is a generous space, I felt it wasn’t being used to its full potential as a garden space, especially since there are already several outdoor areas across the site. The pool conservatory was the best use of this space while also creating clear pathways between the stable wings.
This glass structure features a mezzanine that wraps around the space, providing access to the first floor of the stables. Inside, there is the reception area, a pool and a meeting space. Surrounding the building, there is still courtyard space with outdoor seating and plants, as well as a balcony circling the existing building to maintain that connection to the outdoors.
Sawmill
The Sawmill Cafe was designed as a bright, welcoming space filled with natural light, intended to serve as a central hub for patients to enjoy meals, grab a coffee, or connect socially throughout the day. The selection of materials was influenced by the idea of creating a calming and inviting atmosphere – natural wood tones, lots of greenery, and glass were used to open the space up to the surrounding environment.
The Sawmill is situated at White Cart Water so adding new windows was essential for incorporating this view.
