Montgomery Sisam Architects and DDL Studio design mental health treatment facility in the Cayman Islands
The newly completed Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects in association with DDL Studio, is a first-of-its-kind acute mental health treatment facility in the Cayman Islands that is aiming to redefine care through architecture, nature, and community support.
PRC is the Cayman Islands’ first purpose-built, government-run acute mental health treatment facility, which responds to the long-standing need for specialized, dignified care that allows residents to receive treatment closer to home.
The name for Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre was inspired by the vibrant local Poinciana tree, known for its red blossoms. A Poinciana tree has been planted on the grounds as a living emblem of healing, growth, and connection to place.
Historically, Caymanians who required mental health treatment had to travel to Jamaica or Florida, which placed an emotional and financial strain on families. PRC closes this gap by offering a therapeutic farm community that aims to empower residents through peer support, vocational training, and holistic care. The facility reflects the values of the Caymanian community, incorporating local stone, bright colours, and an emphasis on access to nature and culture.
Dr. Lockhart, the Jamaican physician behind the project’s vision, saw the need for a more compassionate approach to mental health care, one that combines clinical treatment with community and nature.
The campus includes nine six-bedroom cottages, and separate building structures for administration, clinical functions, dining, and other indoor activities. Cottages are designed with domestic-scale forms and finishes, and grouped to reflect a small island settlement, promoting privacy and dignity while ensuring passive supervision.
Each cottage is painted in one of three natural tones: sun (ochre), sky (blue), or earth (terracotta), which help residents identify their home within the cluster.
At the heart of the campus is a series of buildings known as the village square, that form a central gathering area, housing critical program spaces including staff offices, clinical exam rooms, counselling and treatment areas, multi-purpose activity rooms, classrooms, and meeting spaces.
This cluster also features a lobby-reception area with a resident-run café and gift shop, offering training opportunities and fostering social connection in a non-institutional, community-like setting.
Outdoor elements include fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, a labyrinth, basketball court, and quiet paths, all designed to provide daily contact with nature, encourage movement, and support healing.
The buildings were clustered to preserve the existing landscape, minimize ground disturbance, and reflect the spirit of a small community. Newly planted native trees and shrubs also enrich the natural setting, creating a village-like environment.
The campus also uses natural surveillance and biometric access control to ensure security without fences, bars, or institutional signage which support residents’ dignity, autonomy, and mental well-being.
Additionally, the project incorporates passive design strategies, permeable ground surfaces, rainwater harvesting, and hurricane-resistant construction, while maximizing daylight and natural ventilation in all spaces.
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