Kuwait

NBK Children’s Hospital

SSH was appointed to deliver the new NBK Children’s Hospital project in Kuwait. SSH’s multidisciplinary teams were responsible for healthcare architecture, medical planning and SMEP services, covering the development of the concept design through to full design documentation and coordination with other specialist consultants.

The NBK Children’s Hospital comprises an outpatient department with clinics, day-care facilities that include infusion and treatment areas, a specialist bone marrow transplant inpatient unit, haematology and oncology laboratories, a pharmacy, administration and educational areas, as well as case conference and lobby facilities.

The mechanical and electrical services were designed to support Phase 1, with the flexibility to accommodate potential future phases if required.

Design elements such as colour-coded hospital departments, floor patterns and accent wall finishes were incorporated to support wayfinding. These elements also create visual continuity throughout the hospital while contributing to the playful character of the interiors.

The design incorporated sustainable strategies, including optimal building orientation, consideration of views, and energy-efficient technologies such as enhanced envelope insulation to reduce energy consumption. The use of locally sourced materials was also encouraged to minimise the building’s carbon footprint.

Planning and design were tailored to the needs of the facility’s young users, with a focus on creating welcoming, child-friendly environments throughout. This approach was maintained even within the bone marrow transplant unit, where stringent hygiene requirements limited the range of finishes that could be used.