A deeply meaningful space
Delivered through the Frameworks Scotland 3 programme, managed by Health Facilities Scotland, the £18.8 million Ayrshire Hospice redevelopment has transformed the facility with upgraded amenities, a new state-of-the-art in-patient unit, and a modern hub building. The hospice embodies an ethos of privacy and dignity throughout, offering 12 private en-suite bedrooms, peaceful gardens, cuddle beds, a café, a gift shop, and accommodation for loved ones to stay close.
“This new building reflects everything we stand for: compassion, dignity, and care. It is a deeply meaningful and special space,” explains Ayrshire Hospice Chief Executive Tracy Flynn.
With Turner & Townsend as advisor, architectural practice Austin-Smith:Lord won a competitive tender and interview process to lead the project. “Austin-Smith:Lord have been honoured to have provided a truly multi-disciplinary design service to help Ayrshire Hospice transform their home," says CEO Graham Lord. "It is a project that encapsulates our mission to ‘enhance life and environment by design’".
Enhancing comfort by design
Glasgow-based specialists DV McColl installed around 2000 square metres of Rockfon acoustic ceiling systems across the hospice, including Rockfon Medicare Standard and 625 square metres of Rockfon Mono Acoustic – the seamless solution that replaces traditional dry lining to deliver superior sound control. The acoustic design plays a quiet but vital role in shaping the building’s atmosphere, supporting a sense of calm alongside natural light, warm timber detailing, and a soft palette for walls, seating, and furnishings.
In the main communal hub, Rockfon Mono Acoustic defines a calm, contemporary space. The acoustic ceiling solution seamlessly forms a soft circular step around a central skylight, flooding the room with natural light. Its monolithic surface discreetly conceals lighting, ventilation, and signage, preserving a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
Rockfon Medicare Standard meets the strictest hygiene and cleaning standards for healthcare environments. It complies with HBN 10 and HTM 60, does not contribute to MRSA growth, and ensures low particle emission (ISO Class 5). Rockfon Tropic, a versatile range of white ceiling tiles suited for standard applications, shares high standards in performance: Class A sound absorption, Class A1 reaction to fire, and a variety of dimensions for both semi-concealed and visible grid designs.
In areas exposed to moisture, Enhanced Corrosion Resistant (ECR) ceiling grids are specified to ensure durability. All grid components are extra-galvanised to offer Class D protection, vital in humid environments such as food preparation zones, changing rooms, showers, and swimming pool facilities.
Close collaboration and care
“It has been a privilege to collaborate with Ayrshire Hospice on this project. Our team of experts has carefully delivered each element throughout the build, creating a facility that will enable the hospice to provide the highest-quality care,” says John McClintock, Operations Director at main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey.
“The project progressed very smoothly, with the Rockfon team on hand to offer valuable support and technical advice throughout,” says Paul Woodlock of DV McColl.
“It is always a privilege to be part of such a project, especially where the successful control of sound can have a profoundly positive effect on residents, visitors, and staff alike,” adds Rockfon Area Sales Manager Jim Lundy.
