Description:

Deacon + Richardson Architects were appointed to design a new Hawkhurst Medical Centre. The scheme will form part of a larger development of new homes on the urban fringe, identified in the local plan.

The brief for this project was typical of a modern primary care health centre. 12 Consulting rooms, 6 Treatment rooms, Counselling and Interview rooms, waiting areas, dispensary and administrative areas all required. The proposed centre is required to serve a patient list of 12,000 following the consolidation of two local GP Practices.

Following a detailed study of the site constraints the proposed siting of the building was chosen. Special care was taken to maintain important views and the setting of some local veteran trees. It was determined that a ‘H’ shaped plan would be best suited for the site. The public areas of the building sitting within the centre of the plan and clinical areas in the 4 wings. This allows all the key rooms to have an aspect, improving daylight and natural ventilation. Additionally, it meant the roof could be split into separate elements, reducing the appearance of the buildings mass when viewed from afar.

Because of the elevated position of the site it was determined the building should share design characteristics with local historic manor houses. Nevertheless, it was crucial that the proposal would not become a pastiche study of these historic buildings. Traditional materials and proportions were used in conjunction with modern elements. These include galvanised metal gutters and bronze powder coated aluminium windows for instance.

The proposed scheme is targeting a BREEAM rating of Excellent. To help achieve this we developed a combined strategy of passive design, high performance building fabrics, renewable energy sources and low impact materials.

To see other medical centre projects we have been involved in have a look at our projects page.