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The project is an extensive re-development of the existing acute facility to create a single unified hospital comprising a new state-of-the-art Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, a new Emergency Care Centre, and a new, dedicated Women's and Children's Centre.
Phase 1 of the hospital opened on schedule in 2008, and is already being talked about as one of the most sustainable healthcare buildings in the UK. The SHCA led team has provided a striking, modern design with a strong civic presence. The BREEAM 'Excellent' sustainability rating is based on numerous integrated design features, including the largest geothermal lake loop scheme in Europe and a tri-generation energy plant. These provide all the cooling without chillers and 40% of the heating requirement saving 9,600MWh of gas and electricity and £12,000 a year over the smaller facility that this new hospital replaces.
This integrated engineering and passive eco design will reduce the hospital's carbon footprint by 400 tonnes a year when both phases are operational in 2010. The Diagnostic and Treatment Centre benefits from an unusually innovative feature of a 'biosphere', a passive ventilated envelope that moderates the climate of the circulation areas and allows deep penetration of natural light to all occupied areas
The design is also a clinical success achieving over 90% of critical adjacencies. The scheme applies principles of evidence based design, with clear wayfinding, natural lighting and enhanced outdoor views throughout. 50% of the beds are in single rooms and the architectural and interior design enhance a positive experience for patients, staff and visitors alike.
This integrated engineering and passive eco design will reduce the hospital's carbon footprint by 400 tonnes a year when both phases are operational in 2010. The Diagnostic and Treatment Centre benefits from an unusually innovative feature of a 'biosphere', a passive ventilated envelope that moderates the climate of the circulation areas and allows deep penetration of natural light to all occupied areas
The design is also a clinical success achieving over 90% of critical adjacencies. The scheme applies principles of evidence based design, with clear wayfinding, natural lighting and enhanced outdoor views throughout. 50% of the beds are in single rooms and the architectural and interior design enhance a positive experience for patients, staff and visitors alike.
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01
The organic geometry of the exterior is a response to the natural landscape to the south of the site that provides a "soft edge" to the public arrival side and main entrance sequence to the hospital.
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The Diagnostic Treatment Centre is planned as a series of repetitive "fingers" of accommodation which can flex and adjust for future adaptation.
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One of the key components of the concept is the gently curving hospital street which links the ward blocks and the Diagnostic Treatment Centre. This public circulation route is the "spine" of the hospital.
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The DTC requires maximum penetrative light in an otherwise deep plan, to provide external and internal identity and intuitive navigation through the myriad consulting and treatment rooms. The result is a series of repetitive rooms within a series of clustered fingers separated by atria.
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The design is intended to support the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff. All treatment rooms and waiting areas are planned to provide natural light and views of the surrounding site
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For cost effectiveness an overall "biosphere" or enclosure approach was taken, to encapsulate the finger blocks within a single unified organic building envelope.
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The low-lying scale of the DTC block assists in offering clear and un-obstructed views of the lake beyond from wards which is enhanced by the green sedum roof on the DTC block.
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Planning arrangements provide clear guidance for visitors and patients orientation on arrival, a key factor in reducing potential stress.
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The glazed biosphere enclosure creates waiting areas and internal spaces which are flooded with natural daylight and provides views of the surrounding site.
