Intuitive way-finding principles, courtyards that allow patients and visitors clear views over the whole site, diagnostic and treatment facilities on the ground floor, and modern materials described as sympathetic to both the existing listed buildings on the site, and to the rural setting, are all key features of the new £16.5 million Braintree Community Hospital in Essex.
London-based Steffian Bradley Architects (SBA) first won the PFI bid for the hospital, which has been built by HG Construction, in 2004, but, due to funding issues at the time, the project was “shelved indefinitely”. Three years later, after successful remodelling of the funding structure, SBA was invited to reassess the project. A comprehensive replanning of the internal layout took place both to make the scheme financially viable via the inclusion of a private health provider occupying a large part of the second floor, and to incorporate required changes in the PCT model of care. Following user meetings, the schedules of accommodation, tenant’s requirements, and contractor’s proposals, were agreed, enabling the replanning of the building, which includes 3,500 m2 of clinical areas, such as consulting rooms, therapy, and ward space, and a new 1,500 m2 surgical suite with two theatres. SBA says the design “effortlessly combines contemporary and traditional materials to create a unity with the existing buildings, complementing the rural setting”, adding: “This variety of materials creates the illusion of a series of discrete elements which combine to form the facility”. Sustainable features include certified sustainable Siberian larch, concrete frame construction, storm-water overflow systems, and underfloor heating, while the majority of the trade contractors were sourced from within the local community. The building was thermally modelled to encourage, and take advantage of, natural ventilation, reducing its reliance on mechanical equipment. Air conditioning is only provided within the operating theatres and minor surgery areas, where temperature must be maintained at a constant level. Natural light flows into the waiting areas and deep plan spaces via rooflights. In addition, “sun pipes” have been used to provide natural light to the recovery area, bedrooms, and patient areas, “helping patients and staff psychologically”, and reducing their reliance on artificial lighting during the day.
