An ‘important milestone’ in P+HS Architects’ long-standing relationship with Nuffield Health has seen the completion of a brand new hospital for the private healthcare provider in Cambridge.
Phil Bentley of P+HS Architects said: “The challenge was to design a contemporary new building to be constructed while the existing hospital remained operational. It was also essential to retain the special quality of the site, which is characterised by mature trees and attractive landscaped grounds.
“Feedback from extensive consultation helped shape the design, with input from clinicians, staff, neighbours, the community, and local interest groups. A key requirement was to provide an exceptional non-clinical environment, while incorporating specialist equipment and the latest technology.”
The 38-bed hospital includes inpatient and outpatient facilities, diagnostics, physiotherapy, an operating suite with three theatres, endoscopy, oncology services, and a pharmacy. Staff areas include a terrace and breakfast bar area.
The ‘compact’ building design minimises staff and patient travel distances, while interior spaces provide a calm, therapeutic environment. The layout, which includes ‘strategic views out’, was designed to improve orientation and wayfinding. Externally there are gardens and terraces for patients, visitors, and staff.
On entering the site the principal elevation presents a formal, civic frontage with ‘a clearly legible and inviting main entrance’. The front elevation provides an ordered composition, its mass punctuated with deep shadow reveals. The hospital’s appearance, including the selected brick, is designed ‘to harmonise with the character and architectural quality of Cambridge’.
The reception foyer includes artwork and views to the gardens, and leads to outpatients’ and diagnostics departments. Single en suite inpatient bedrooms and the outpatient oncology department all benefit from views out at first floor level. Within the Oncology department is a ‘brilliantly coloured’ acrylic artwork representing the river Cam and its landmarks. The second floor is primarily theatres with associated preparation and recovery areas, plus the endoscopy suite and physiotherapy department with gym.
Phil Bentley added: “The design is enriched throughout by Simon Faithfull’s art installations, complementing the boutique interior design, and providing interest and inspiration for patients, staff, and visitors. Consultant, David Brown, worked with neighbours to preserve and enhance the external landscape, creating outdoor areas to reflect the themes of well-being and welcome which pervade the scheme.”
The new hospital, built by Simons Construction, marks the successful completion of Phase 1. A second phase, due for completion next summer, will see the demolition of most of the original hospital, with the retention and refurbishment of one wing to provide the pathology and medical records departments, staff facilities, offices, and meeting rooms.
