The new Ersta Hospital is designed with a strong focus on nature as a healing force. This vision dates back to the hospital’s founder, Marie Cederschiöld, Sweden's first nurse, who trained in Germany under Florence Nightingale. It was there that she gained new insights into hygiene and the importance of caring for patients in beautiful surroundings. And it's safe to say that this vision has been realized at Ersta Hospital—both indoors and outdoors!

Lush courtyard gardens and inviting outdoor spaces on various levels are accessible to patients, their families, and even passersby. On the palliative care unit’s new rooftop terrace, patients and their loved ones can discreetly spend time together and find peace in the beautiful surroundings.

Raised planting beds in organic shapes create intimate spaces, allowing even bedridden patients to get close to the vegetation, which includes strawberries, fragrant herbs, and blooming perennials. Birds and insects are also drawn to the rooftop terrace.

These surroundings are designed to stimulate the senses, shift the focus away from the patients' pain, and hopefully contribute to a faster healing process.

Milford's contribution

Milford's Contrast Freestyle™ was used for the raised planting beds and benches on both the rooftop terrace and the ground level. Contrast Freestyle™ is an EPD-certified edging system that offers complete design freedom and can be integrated with benches, tables, lighting, and more. Each solution is custom-designed and manufactured for the specific project and delivered ready for installation on site.

We extend our thanks to Tengbom, the landscape architects behind this impressive project, for the excellent collaboration.

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