The Cicely Saunders Institute officially opened on 5 May 2010 and was the world’s first purpose-built Institute for palliative care. Today it brings together over 200 researchers, academics, healthcare professionals, students and community organisations to create a vital hub for research, education, clinical care and support.

The Institute offers a collaborative, open-plan space, sensitively designed by LTS Architects with advice from Macmillan Cancer Support, community members and patient groups such as the Black Cancer Care. Ongoing patient and public involvement at the Institute ensures that our multi-skilled staff continue to respond to the changing needs of people suffering from life-limiting conditions.

A central atrium integrates the spaces and fosters collaboration by increasing opportunities for cross-disciplinary research while also allowing the building users a sense of autonomy. A BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating was achieved by incorporating ground source heat pumps with passive heating and cooling systems, thermal mass, solar thermal, landscaping and natural ventilation. Daylight and solar gain are controlled by the south-west facing brise soleil.