Wernick Buildings - Southmead Hospital
Project name: Southmead Hospital
Sector: Offices
Location: Southmead, Bristol
Client name: North Bristol NHS Trust
Supplied by: Wernick Buildings
Accommodation type: Single-storey offices
Size: 614m² / 10 modules
Features: Open plan offices, glass-partitioned meeting rooms, break-out area, lockers, kitchen, toilets
Requirement
With winter pressures ahead, Southmead Hospital took the decision to relocate a number of office staff from ‘high value’ areas of the main hospital to increase bed numbers.
To provide urgently needed clinical areas, the client required a modular building for around 80 staff members from an assortment of departments and divisions.
Due to the timescales required, the client chose a direct award via the NHS SBS framework. “Wernick said yes” to the proposed build programme and offered a comprehensive design service with the in-house design team.
“This Modular Building contract proved to be very straightforward. There were only minimal variations post contract which made the contract very easy to administer,” explained Martin Crandon, Head of Capital Projects.
Just five months after the initial enquiry, Wernick handed over the building.
Solution
Wernick Buildings worked closely with the client on the building’s design, which incorporates the Trust’s bespoke specifications. These include mechanical and electrical heating and cooling plant, LED light panels and energy monitoring technology.
Interior design decisions were left to Wernick’s design team, who took inspiration from the rest of the hospital estate. They chose lively colours for accent walls and partitions to break up the large, collaborative space.
The 614m² space also includes glass partitioned meeting rooms, a break-out area, a bank of lockers, hot desks and a fully-fitted kitchen and seating area.
Externally, the building is finished with rainscreen cladding and a glass door canopy. New pathways and landscaping compliment the area and enhance the user experience.
The project was not without its challenges. Installation of the modules took place within a live hospital environment and the teams worked around an ambulance facility next door.
During groundworks, hidden obstructions caused unexpected delays. A collaborative approach between client and Wernick lessened the impact of any issues: “we shared problems and got through them together.”
Client comment
Martin Crandon, Head of Capital Projects commented: “We are delighted with the welcoming, light and open interior environment, which has exceeded our expectations. Comments from staff have all been very positive.”