Markedly more than ‘a breath of fresh air’

One of the key elements that enabled the centre to reach this environmental milestone – it also achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ at the design stage – was a low carbon natural ventilation system designed by Cambridge University spin-off, Breathing Buildings. HEJ editor Jonathan Baillie reports.

Completed by main contractor, Willmott Dixon in September 2011, the Houghton-le-Spring Primary Care Centre is located adjacent to an existing leisure centre, itself comprehensively refurbished as part of a wider development programme. As with previous schemes designed by P+HS in conjunction with NHS South of Tyne & Wear, the facility co-locates NHS and local authority services with health and leisure facilities, and indeed the new building is an excellent example of the new generation of local healthcare centres incorporating ‘traditional’ and ‘newer’ primary care services side by side – a key goal being to save local people an unnecessary visit to hospital. The Centre is accessed via a two-storey atrium opening onto a café and reception hub. To the left is the Sports and Leisure Centre, and, to the right, the main reception area for the Primary Care Centre. Health services include a minor injuries unit, diagnostics, treatment, and physiotherapy suites, and community healthcare services. A 24-bed rehabilitation ward with supporting accommodation is located on the first floor, with dedicated access at ground floor level for drop-off and pick-up, while extensive landscaping makes good use of the external environment, creating therapeutic surroundings, along with a wide range of outdoor sporting and recreational opportunities. A floodlit Multi Use Games Area, fitness trail, and community garden, are provided; access to an existing bowls green has been improved; and a skate park was also relocated within the site, and upgraded in consultation with local youngsters.

Reduced carbon footprint