Projects

Hillside Health Centre provides year-round home health care services, public health education programs, rehabilitation services, mobile clinics and outreach services to the people of the Toledo district of Belize as well as operating a free clinic focussing on noncommunicable diseases, childhood diseases, women’s health, preventative health care, minor procedures and medication.  

The people of Toledo live in precarious socioeconomic conditions: 83% live in rural areas and 79% live in poverty. Almost 25% of residents do not have access to potable water. At 1.2 physicians and nurses per 1000 people, the district is one of the least served by health care professionals.

In 2023 Hillside approached Architects Without Frontiers (AWF) to assist in obtaining preliminary designs for a new building at the clinic that could house treatment spaces for adult and paediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health services, offices and accommodation for international students and volunteers.

AWF Network Partner Harley Graham Architects developed a concept plan that focusses on natural ventilation and cooling while sheltering occupants from sun and wind-blown rain.  Internal ‘streets’ within the building provide space for mobility therapy and children’s play, and spaces are connected by internal voids and gardens.  Communal spaces for patients, medical students and volunteers provide opportunities for meals, rest, and casual socialising.

Year: 2023

Status: Phase 1 (Concept Design) Completed

Partners: Harley Graham Architects