Alessandro Caruso Architects Ltd (ACA) has completed the refurbishment of the Phoenix High Dependency Rehabilitation Unit (HDRU), delivered for Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, with the facility now operational and welcoming its first patients.
The HDRU provides a secure, specialist inpatient environment designed to support individuals with complex and long-term mental health needs. The scheme focuses on creating a safe, therapeutic setting that promotes recovery while accommodating extended patient stays.
ACA was responsible for architecture, interior design and Principal Designer services under CDM and Building Regulations. Delivered within a £1.5 million budget, the project was completed in just seven months to meet urgent service requirements.
The Trust’s Estates Team highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving this outcome, noting that close coordination between estates, clinical leadership, governance teams and specialist suppliers was critical to delivering a high-quality facility aligned with both operational needs and strategic objectives.
Working within a live mental health environment presented unique challenges, requiring careful planning and sensitive design responses. Contractor O&P Construction Services Ltd emphasised ACA’s ability to balance therapeutic design principles with the stringent safety, durability and anti-ligature requirements essential in such settings. The project team maintained a proactive and solution-focused approach throughout, enabling challenges to be addressed efficiently while maintaining quality.
Feedback from clinical teams and service users has been highly positive. The completed environment is described as welcoming and homely, with thoughtful use of space, materials and colour contributing to a setting that supports both comfort and recovery. Clinicians noted that the unit stands out as an example of high-quality refurbishment, successfully moving away from a traditional institutional feel.
The Phoenix HDRU project highlights ACA’s expertise in delivering complex healthcare environments, combining technical rigour with a strong focus on user wellbeing to create spaces that are safe, durable and supportive of long-term recovery.
