March saw the completion of the new 2,100m2 Shefford Health Centre in Bedfordshire, in line with the original forecast for a 15-month construction programme.
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| Shefford Health Care in Bedfordshire - Competed Building |
The pentagonal building design is focused on a central core serving five individual accommodation wings, consisting of the following;
- General GP & Nurse Consulting Rooms
- Treatment Rooms
- Dentistry Suite
- Pharmacy & Dispensary
The external envelope comprising red brick, render &; cedar clad walls together with slate -effect roof tiles contributed to the almost domestic appearance - complying with planning guidance and successfully integrating into the surrounding context.
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| Shefford Health Care in Bedfordshire - Competed Building |
Using traditional masonry construction the building was designed to have a high thermal mass with impressive U-values that promoted the concept of night cooling. The main specifications included:
- Insulated render system
- High levels of insulation in the roof void
- Increased levels of cross-ventilation
- Composite triple-glazed window system - with integral blinds, louvered panels at high level plus an actuator controlled insulated damper to the inside.
Securing a high 'B' rating on the Energy Performance Certificate the building actually achieved 9 points above the national benchmark for a building of this type.
Feedback received from both occupiers and the general public has been positive, which reflects well on the whole Design Team involved.
Labels: healthcare, opening
