The need for the structure to withstand the powerful downdraught created every time an RAF Sea King rescue helicopter takes off from a nearby helipad, and to incorporate additional storeys in the future, were among the requirements facing Elliott Off-Site Building Solutions during its construction of the new Maple Ward at Scarborough Royal Infirmary.
None of the elevations facing the helipad incorporates any apertures in the wall, while exposed roof elements were built using upgraded trusses and frame connectors. The 28-bed ward building was constructed using Elliott Off-Site Building Solutions’ hybrid construction system. This enabled large elements to be completed off site, ensuring “a much shorter build schedule”, and ISO9001- assured quality levels. Maple Ward comprises seven three-bed wards and seven Approved Document M (Mobility) single bed en suite rooms, plus a “quiet room” for patients, offices, and changing and rest rooms for staff. To allow future expansion, Elliott designed the single-storey building using a steel frame, providing adequate strength to support subsequent storeys, in conjunction with insulated timber infill panels and an exterior brick cladding. The roof has a nominal pitch to allow addition of subsequent storeys with minimal alterations. The off-site specialist was also involved in installation of medical gases, water, access control, CCTV, nurse call systems, and fire alarms.
