Product category:
Architectural Services
News Release from: Race Cottam Associates | Subject: New-build acute wards at Kendray Hospital
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 February 2007
Work starts on new 'green' mental health
unit
Race Cottam design concept for the new-build acute wards at Kendray Hospital revolves around the notion of a natural environment.
Work has begun on a new mental health unit in South Yorkshire which is set to become a showcase for 'green' design in the NHS Government mental health minister Rosie Winterton MP cut the first sod at the site next to the existing Kendray Hospital, where she was joined by representatives from developers Kier Northern and architects Mark Barker and Vanessa Bizzell from Race Cottam Associates
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 31 Jan 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Stunning rebirth for historic factory in Sheffield
Butcher Works, once at the centre of the city's cutlery industry, has been given bold new image by leading Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates
Dust lifted on 100 years of Bassetlaw heritage
Race Cottam Associates appointed as architects for the renovation of Bassetlaw Museum, in Retford.
Race Cottam have designed the new adult acute unit at Kendray in partnership with Barnsley Primary Care Trust.
The project boasts a range of environmental features including energy saving underground heating, natural ventilation and therapeutic 'themed' gardens.
The development will also use environmentally friendly materials such as timber cladding and recycled aluminium alloy roofing, whilst a ground source heat pump will transfer heat retained in the earth to help heat the building.
Further reading
Work starts on sustainable new business centre
Designed by Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates, the Moorgate Crofts development is on the re-claimed site of South Grove School.
New city hospital unit reaches first milestone
Work has finished on the first phase of a new cutting edge care unit in Sheffield designed by architects Race Cottam Associates.
Rosie Winterton said: "I was so pleased to have the opportunity to visit Kendray Hospital to view the plans for the new inpatient mental health facility, and meet the staff and service users that have been involved in the project".
"Upon completion, Barnsley PCT's new purpose-built building will provide modern and appropriate services to people needing mental health care in a pleasant and safe environment".
Rosie added: "I look forward to a repeat visit some time in the future to see the building in its completion and hear first hand from staff what it's like to work there and also about the patients' experiences of the new facilities".
Race Cottam Associate Mark Barker said: "The design concept for the new-build acute wards has revolved around the notion of a natural environment since the very first drawings were produced.
This will dramatically reduce the amount of energy used within the building and will also have health benefits for patients.
"The variety of outside spaces created allows a 'theming' of each garden which not only increases therapeutic value, but allows the possibility of creating different habitats and increasing biodiversity".
The unit will provide accommodation for up to 36 patients in separate male and female wards.
Enclosed activity and therapy rooms will provide private space for small groups and one-to-one sessions, while open plan spaces will accommodate larger group activities.
Gardens and outdoor space have been incorporated into the design and will be available for 24 hour use.
Medical research has shown exposure to nature has a number of psychological benefits to patients with mental health problems.
The open-plan reception and cafe area is intended to provide a welcoming, non-institutional atmosphere and will help promote socialising and interaction between patients and public.
• Race Cottam Associates: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
