Cumbria Villa is a secure mental health unit situated at Chase Farm Hospital in North London, managed by Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust. A recent development and extension to the hospital site saw Cumbria Villa further enhance its services to provide a 15-bed ward for patients requiring specialised psychiatric care within a secure mental health environment.
Members of our product development team were kindly given an on-site tour to view the final installation, giving them first-hand experience of the specific design challenges associated with high-risk environments. Gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ needs is central to our product development programme, and our design team will use this valuable insight to help inform future products.
Products from our Ryno® range were chosen for the bedrooms. With their open-fronted design and carefully rounded shapes, Ryno products are designed to minimise ligature risks which makes them a popular choice for private spaces, such as bedrooms where round-the-clock observation isn’t always possible.
Compared with a conventional bedroom furniture suite, the long-term durability of our Ryno bedroom range helps to minimise ongoing costs. Over the course of several years, conventional furniture is likely to require replacement due to water damage, wear and tear or wilful damage. Ryno products, with their water-resistant properties and durable joint-free construction can offer many years of reliable service.
With each bedroom within the property having a different special configuration, the placement of furniture was carefully considered to help minimise ‘blind spots’ and allow for easier visual staff inspections. Ryno products, being designed without doors or drawers, help to reduce concealment opportunities and further aids staff inspection.
For bariatric patients, our Sovie 4’ bariatric flare bed was specified. Internal structural support gives Sovie bed its strength (tested to withstand a static load of 500kg), and the single-piece mattress tray wrapped in water-resistant Kydex thermoplastic provides long-term water-resistance.
Within the dining room, Ryno dining chairs in our calming Cool Green colour were paired with Cumulus Plus dining tables. Both products are heavily weighted for safety and have undergone extensive strength testing to ensure their durability in demanding environments.
The light-filled space with natural tones help to create an inviting space which is as calming as it is safe.
Magna Plus and Orr Plus sofas provide comfort and relaxation in the lounge spaces. Full plywood reinforcement (including the underside) in place of springing or webbing makes these products very durable, and additional weight makes them difficult to pick up.
Access to outdoor space is an important part of everyone’s mental health and wellbeing. The secure garden space features a Ryno dining table and chairs along with Ryno stools and benches for informal seating. Ryno products’ water-resistant properties make them an ideal choice for outdoor use, come rain or shine.
(Photography by Bruno Rondinelli)
