Sonnemann Toon Architects has completed a “fast-track” five-month £1 m refurbishment of the St. Mary’s Hospital outpatients department in Paddington, London. The main contractor was Progress Properties.
‘Fast-track’ refurb for St Mary’s
The Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust was keen to improve both the patient experience and working environment within the existing 1960s building, “clarifying and simplifying the flow of patients, staff and goods”, creating a more orderly, calmer environment. The facilities are now arranged around a central open space with seating, a cafe, pharmacy counter, information point, reception and WCs. Two level access entrances directly opposite at each end of a main access space mean visitors and patients need no longer go around the building along the narrow pavement with traffic close by. Sonnemann Toon has also provided views into the central space, giving a prior glimpse of the destination. The interior is “simple, crisp and bold”, with colour and images used in strategic locations only. The material palette has been “intentionally limited” and seamless finishes exploited as much as possible.