In June 2011, JDDK handed over the Young Adult’s Lounge, which is a reconfiguration of the Children’s Unit’s existing pool area to create an interactive area designed specifically for young adults, who until now would have had to leave St Oswald’s on reaching 18 years of age.

With the pool area filled in, the double height room has been converted into a light filled space with interactive lighting from both concealed LED downlights and a laser projector controlled by the young adults together with a separate computer games room off the main space with a projected display.

JDDK Project Architect, Stuart Franklin, explained, “Many of the children for whom we designed the Children’s Unit 10 years ago have now grown into young adults with different needs and aspirations and it is for them that we have designed the Lounge.”

“For a variety of operational reasons, the pool was not really used effectively, and as part of St Oswald’s plan for a Young Adult Service, they really needed a dedicated living space for these young people. Thanks to a Department of Health grant and additional voluntary donations, the pool area has been transformed. The interior is very heavily serviced with oxygen pipes and vertical radiators etc hidden behind LST (Low Surface Temperature) covers, leaving the majority of the walls a neutral canvas on which young adults can project their own choice of coloured lights and effects.”

“There’s also more practical items such as a height adjustable central table which acts as a focal point in addition to being used as a dining table; a fully equipped kitchen for teaching domestic skills and a video wall for TV and DVD’s, with the games room also benefiting from game screens projected onto the wall which really brings modern games to life!”

“The concept is about creating an interactive environment where young adults can determine their own colours and mood. This multi-sensory input is vital to those with complex needs and the feedback we have received so far is very positive with new effects still to be installed, over future phases.”

Jane Hamblin, Facilities Manager at St Oswald’s, commented,

“We’re delighted with our new Young Adult Lounge. Stuart and his team have worked alongside our staff and the young adults who will benefit, to design a dedicated space that fits their needs. Since we opened our doors to young adults last month, the feedback we’ve received has been fantastic. The space is light and airy, well-thought out and entirely age-appropriate. Young adults booked in for stays in the next few months have told us how excited they are about coming to stay for short breaks, which is the best response we could have hoped for.”

The Young Adult’s Lounge has been a catalyst for the new Young Adult’s Accommodation which is currently being constructed on site and should be completed by Spring 2025.