Those facing emotional challenges or crisis need more than compassion—they need an environment thoughtfully designed to support both body and mind. The six-story psychiatric building at Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf (EKA) delivers exactly that. With over a century of history, the EKA—part of the Evangelische Stiftung Alsterdorf—has become a leading specialist facility serving diverse populations: those with acute and chronic conditions like epilepsy, children and adults with mental health disorders, elderly and frail individuals with and without dementia, people with addiction, and those living with complex physical or developmental disabilities.

This new facility consolidates psychiatric and psychotherapy services, geriatric inpatient and day clinic care, and epilepsy monitoring under one roof—strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration across the hospital network. Designed by Euroterra and planned in partnership with clinical teams and government health authorities, the building commands its landscape while respecting the site's unique topography. It provides 93 inpatient beds, 15 geriatric day clinic spaces, and dedicated therapy areas. Single and double rooms feature expansive windows framing views that connect patients to the natural world. Throughout, natural materials, warm tones, and light-filled spaces—including outdoor gardens—establish a calming sanctuary. The horizontal clinker brick façade, with its carefully detailed window bands and welcoming entrance, integrates seamlessly with the existing campus. Every detail matters: noise, lighting, temperature, and even scent have been calibrated to reduce stress and promote well-being. Design research confirms what clinicians know—that light, space, materials, acoustics, and color meaningfully support recovery and create dignity for both patients and caregivers. Here, acoustically refined ceilings, a thoughtful material and lighting palette, and an intuitive color system work together to ease orientation and inspire confidence.

www.euroterra.de

Photo:
Reiner M. Urbaniak

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|25)