ADNZ REGIONAL AWARD WINNER 2015

owners was clearly defined – to transform their tired and dated 1970’s medical centre into a crisp and contemporary building with the use of low maintenance materials and clean lines.  This ‘look & feel’ was also required to flow through into the interior of the building.  In addition they requested the design incorporate functional space for MSK imaging, a pharmacy and Pathlab. They requested the existing site be used to its maximum potential, incorporating space to accommodate enlarged consult rooms, dedicated nursing areas and a treatment procedure room. 

The sloping site, nestled in the heart of Cambridge is within easy walking distance to the town centre.

The staging of this project was given careful consideration & completed in 3 stages over 12 months.  Of paramount importance was minimising disruption to patients and healthcare professionals & maintaining public safety. 

Particular challenges posed by the site included:

·       Sloping site

·       The practice was to remain in full operation during the construction phase

·       Resource consent required due to exceeding site coverage

·       Requirement for easy ambulance access

·       Working with the existing structure/roof lines to control budget.

Specific client requests included:  

·       New treatment procedure room with direct ambulance access

·       Increased number & enlarged consult rooms

·       Main reception re-positioned to allow reception staff to view patients entering the building

·       Enlarged waiting area

·       New exterior cladding to be low maintenance

·       Provide dedicated nurse and doctor zones

·       Wide corridors to improve patient flow & accommodate wheelchair access.

·       Provide safer access to first floor staffroom facility

Design features and creative solutions:

Our response was a carefully considered floor plan that allowed easy access to all areas of the building.  The existing practice was set over three levels and therefore required creativity in re-configuring the existing areas while the practice continued to operate. 

Careful planning enabled construction to occur in 3 stages over a 12 month period.  We worked closely with the construction team & all professionals to ensure the construction schedule was adhered to with minimal disruption.

A cantilevered roof form hovers un-supported over the entry that has direct access to Pathlab, the pharmacy and main reception area. “Blood” red Aliclad was used to highlight the main entrance and improve visibility of the practice.   An ambulance drop off/ pick up zone was incorporated within the new design with easy access to the treatment room.  Careful consideration was given to the way in which ambulances would access the difficult sloping & tight site.  Numerous on site discussions with ambulance staff were critical to ensure the area was designed to accommodate their needs.  The existing mono-pitched roof lines with a large internal gutter were re-designed into a simple gable roof form. All window and door units (excluding the automated sliding door) installed were double glazed.  New insulation was installed to both wall & ceiling cavities.  New aluminium horizontal screens were incorporated to provide privacy and to provide an architectural feature that complimented the low maintenance materials selected.

Aluminium panels (Aliclad) were used on the exterior as a low maintenance & contemporary solution.