Continuing to strengthen its expertise in the healthcare sector, Stokesley based architectural practice DKS Architects, has provided its services on a recently completed £3m scheme.
Commenting on the project, DKS partner Martin Desmond said: “The real challenge of this project was to ensure that there was minimum disruption to the existing hospice which remained open to the patients throughout the build programme. Also, as we were designing within a tight developable area we had to work our plans around retaining the existing trees to ensure that preservation orders were upheld. Due to the sensitive nature of this project, it was imperative that we maintained a close working relationship with the local planning authority, Durham County Council, who responded positively to the process.”
This project follows a number of other schemes undertaken by the practice in the healthcare sector over the last couple of years, including operating theatres, clinical academic facilities for the NHS Trust, assisted living apartments for over 55s and both residential and nursing care homes. Angela Dinsdale, chief executive, at St Cuthberts Hospice added: “We are delighted with the work undertaken by the project team on this scheme. This new unit will provide much needed specialist palliative care for people living in Durham, Chester le Street and Derwentside. It will also allow us to expand the range of services on offer to our patients, and enhance staff facilities including education and training.” Other members of the project team included 3e Consulting – structural engineers and Armstrong Rhead – mechanical and electrical engineers.
