Aspen Wood Hospital

Aspen Wood Hospital is a 40-bed, low security unit designed to support individuals with complex forensic learning disability needs. Completed in 2023, the new facility was delivered on time and within budget, offering a modern space where service users can access activity-based therapies. Additionally, the first floor is dedicated entirely to staff, prioritising their work and wellbeing.

This state-of-the-art building replaces an older unit that was no longer fit for purpose and serves as a gateway project in the redevelopment of the old Ashworth Hospital site into the Maghull Health Park.

LBT Brick & Facades were proud to collaborate with Gilling Dod Architects, the main contractors at Integrated Health Projects (joint venture between VINCI Construction UK Ltd and Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd) and the subcontractors at Stock Brickwork to supply over 350,000 facing bricks to this award-winning project. The selected bricks were the Sterling Grey, Windermere Grey, Black Wirecut and Pennine Buff.

In designing Aspen Wood Hospital, excellence in architecture and sustainability had to be seamlessly paired with an unparalleled focus on the needs of its service users. The facility not only required state-of-the-art features but also needed to be sympathetic to the surrounding structures, uphold the highest sustainability standards and use materials that would not aggravate any health conditions.

LBT’s brief from Gilling Dod was to source facing bricks that could achieve a modern, crisp finish in textures that would minimally impact on those with epilepsy or mental health issues. Following thorough deliberation with the architect, client and mental health consultants, the final brick selection demonstrates a harmonious collection of muted, tranquil tones that helped to meet the brief.

An additional benefit of the chosen facing bricks are their exceptional technical specifications and resilience, which will help the Aspen Wood Hospital site to stand the test of time, even in the face of adverse weather conditions from climate change. These qualities contributed to the project’s win in the Sustainability category at the 2024 BDA Awards.