Thoughtful interiors that elevate healthcare teaching and learning

As the first university building in the UK designed to achieve the WELL Platinum Standard, the Daphne Steele Building in the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC), sets a new benchmark for healthy, inclusive and sustainable interior environments in higher education.

This commitment to wellbeing goes beyond traditional sustainability. It’s about creating interior spaces that actively promote comfort, cognitive performance, emotional wellbeing and social connection. Key to this is prioritising access to natural light, clean air, hydration, acoustics and biophilic design.

We recently visited the building and spoke with project architect Will Horn and senior interior designer Jennifer Flower, to explore how evidence-led interior design has shaped one of the UK’s healthiest and most inspiring higher education environments.

Watch the full video below to discover more.

The building’s diverse interior spaces have been designed to reflect the realities of modern healthcare practice. In addition to immersive simulation environments and community-facing clinics, the Community Diagnostic Centre and life sciences laboratories are fully integrated into the layout — enhancing public engagement and enabling collaborative, research-led learning experiences.

In between learning and studying, a variety of flexible environments support different needs, quiet areas for focused study, collaborative spaces for shared learning, and open zones where social interaction thrives.

All of this is underpinned by sustainable materials and finishes carefully chosen to support health while reducing environmental impact.

The Daphne Steele Building is just one example of how our thoughtful, human-centred interior design is shaping the future of healthcare learning, teaching and collaboration.

Get in touch to see how our interior design expertise can bring your vision to life.