Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The project consisted of a single storey new‐build extension and refurbishment of the existing NICU facility to provide improved care for sick and premature babies. The facility contains clinical and treatment facilities, 21 cot rooms, parent accommodation and clerical and staff support facilities within a live neonatal unit. The project was delivered to time and budget and was awarded a BREEAM rating of Excellent.

The design of the building was determined based on the aim of improving the well-being and recovery process of babies. The building was designed to minimise the use of artificial light and to create a connection with the outisde environment. This allows babies to develop an awareness of day and night as well as creating a calm atmosphere. In addition, the 21 cot rooms were installed within a clockwise rotation, starting with the birthing rooms, moving to the Intensive Care Unit and ending with the recovery room. This allowed parents, psychologically, to feel that their baby is closer to recovery and going home.

To promote sustainability, the facility was designed to be low carbon which included the use of a timber frame. Not only was this a sustainable approach but it was also less disruptive. Due to the live hospital environment, it was imperative that disruption was kept to an abolsute minimum. Using a timber frame meant it could be constructed off-site and then installed easily and quickly on-site.

The project has gone on to win numerous awards including:

• RICS South West Award for Design and Innovation
• South West Built Environment Awards Project of the Year
• South West Built Environment Awards Innovation Award
• Highly Commended within the Design and Innovation category at the RICS National Awards.