Location
Brakerøya, Drammen and Lier Municipality
Function
Mental health care and interdisciplinary specialised substance abuse treatment
Discipline
Architecture and Interior Architecture
In the new hospital replacing Drammen and Blakstad hospitals, somatic care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment are brought together. Mental health and substance abuse services comprise a total of 18,265 m², distributed across three buildings located in the eastern part of the site within Lier Municipality. The buildings are naturally integrated into the new hospital complex and share a main entrance with the somatic functions.
Adjacent to the main entrance are a café, kiosk, pharmacy, and self‑check‑in facilities accessible to all.
The emergency department includes dedicated reception rooms for mental health care, as well as a separate, discreet emergency entrance.
The building volumes step down towards the fjord. Two of the buildings have three storeys and enclosed courtyards, while the southernmost building has two storeys with a courtyard opening toward the fjord. The courtyard designs invite both varied activity and opportunities for retreat and calm.
The buildings contain 167 inpatient beds and 16 outpatient consultation rooms. Additional facilities include a training hall, activity rooms, lounges, and sheltered outdoor areas in courtyards and on roof terraces. The buildings are connected by an open, neutral corridor. Above, two roof terraces are available for patients. To ensure that all patients have access to outdoor space, each ward is equipped with its own veranda.
High‑quality, sheltered outdoor areas are essential in mental health care, and emphasis has been placed on providing varied outdoor environments with abundant daylight and greenery. Outdoor areas to the east are naturally screened through the re‑establishment of the Nøstebekken stream and the surrounding landscape design.
All inpatients are provided with single rooms with private bathrooms. The rooms are designed with a strong focus on safety, dignity, and comfort.
The interior aims to create a warm and calming atmosphere for both patients and staff. The colour palette features green tones with wooden accents, inspired by the natural landscapes characteristic of Drammen and Lier.
Externally, the buildings are clad in Kebony, chosen for its durability and safety. The use of wood adds warmth and tactility, supporting healing and recovery.
