Founded in 1692, the hospital was built “to provide succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war”. In order to serve its original purpose well into the 21st Century, and remain fit for use, the existing 89-bed Infirmary has been replaced with a 125-bed care home; and the Long Wards (sheltered accommodation) modernised. Steffian Bradley Architects (SBA), responsible for both the interior and the overall construction of the new building, say the project brief for such a “national treasure” as the Chelsea Pensioners was stringent.
Since the Royal Hospital could potentially have an expected lifespan of well over 100 years, SBA felt sustainability was a primary concern. This ruled out conventional air conditioning, with its relatively high running costs.As the original Royal Hospital was naturally ventilated, consulting engineers Delap and Waller decided only energy-free natural ventilation could meet the project’s rigorous demands.
The 15 Windcatchers were cleverly adapted by Monodraught to replicate the chimneys on the Royal Hospital building.
The units were also clad in clay pantiles to cover intake louvres, ensuring a
perfect blend with the new Infirmary’s architectural style.
An SBA spokesman says the marriage of modern technology and traditional building methods “ensures that the building sits proudly among existing Sir Christopher Wren and Sir John Soane buildings on this historic campus”.