In September 2012, MTX were awarded a contract to design, install and commission a new two story Biomedical Research Unit at Glenfield Hospital. This was under the joint co-ordination of the National Institute for Health Research and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Foundation Trust.
The Requirements
The primary project objective was to enable “some of the best health researchers and clinicians to work together to develop new treatments for the benefit of patients”. This was to be achieved by consolidating both the additional space provided with existing departments.
The Solution
A two story building was agreed with the provision for a third at a later date.
The scheme was installed via individual, mobile cranes, each suitably sized and sourced for the varying installation constraints. The installation period was a challenging and well planned operation over a period of two days; a single day to lift/position each building.
The ground floor comprises a reception area, 10 Clinic rooms, a Dexa scanner room, a respiratory testing room, a 4 bed ward area, an exercise laboratory, staff areas and all required amenities.
The first floor comprises clinical lecturer’s offices, administrative offices and nurse’s offices, with additional areas dedicated to visiting students and research fellows. The floor also boasts a large meeting/conference room with 2 large glass fronted sides.
Primary user access for the facility was via a newly constructed ground floor, main entrance and reception. In addition to this, the building was connected to the existing hospital via a link corridor to the existing hospital street. Transfer between floors was via a centrally located stairwell and lift.
Internally the new building was fitted out with varying finishes to meet that of the various floor requirements, the ground floor being of a clinic nature has vinyl floor finishes throughout and wipe able surfaces and 1st floor administrative areas being predominantly carpeted. The 2nd floor is an amalgamation of both ground and 1st floors to meet with the floors varying uses. All floors are to a high standard, using a mixture of pre-finished wall finishes and paint finishes. The overall internal finish is impressive with a very warm and welcoming feel.
Externally the new modular building has been finished with a plastic coated steel panel system, complete with feature walls having a cedar, wooden clad finish. The main entrance elevation has full height curtain walling to again enhance the building finish whilst maintain the cost pressures that existed around the scheme. The outcome of the external appearance design provides a clean and easily maintainable, modern and elegant finish.
Main Considerations
The scheme required future proofing for an additional accommodation at a later stage. In February 2013 MTX were awarded the contract to install the additional floor to the building, resulting in an overall building approaching 1500m². The second floor again was based around the BRU facility and comprises laboratories, a freezer room, tissue culture rooms and many more office areas, including that of the department managers and directors offices. These again have large glazed windows with views over the surrounding areas.
The building and building services installation and specification were carried out by the MTX team adhering to the HTM’s, HBN’s NHS specifications and client’s requirements. The building is fully Building Regulations compliant and passes all criteria with regards to the energy usage and performance aspect.
What they said
Talking about the project Mr Nigel Bond – Capital Projects Manager said:
“Our scheme consisted of a circa 1500m2 development over 3 floors.
During our interaction with MTX we found you to be thorough, knowledgeable and willing to work with the estates professionals as well as the clinical team.
The building was finished to a high standard and within time and cost parameters.
In summary MTX performed very well on this scheme, worked in partnership with us and delivered as expected. I would not hesitate to employ MTX again and feel confident in recommending them to anyone else.”