WORK has been completed on the £6 million project to deliver a new private hospital on Glasgow’s Bath Street.
The project involved the transformation of a ‘neglected’ city centre building which was previously used as a bank. Designed by healthcare architectural specialists NVDC on behalf of Elanic, the three-storey Elanic Hospital is directly above Elanic Clinic, which NVDC completed for the same client in 2011.
Designed as a centre of excellence for general healthcare, the hospital specialises in deep tissue surgeries such as orthopaedics, gynaecology, and weight loss – with the design reflecting the values of the client in creating a ‘comfortable, non-institutional feel’ combined with the latest technological advances in healthcare.
The brief was to create a fully compliant day surgery and hospital facility with 2 general anaesthetic theatres, five day beds/bedrooms and recovery rooms, as well as all other necessary ancillary and support functions – such as reception, waiting areas, and admission/discharge lounge.
A large open plan office space for marketing and administration staff was also sought, and this has been created on the newly constructed floor within the space that was the original banking hall.
NVDC Project Architect, Anna Dach followed a research-based approach to the benefits of healthcare design in developing the ‘meticulously’ planned facility for Elanic. This can be seen in the careful and complimentary choice of colour and materials, finishes and furniture to help create a calming, welcoming hospital environment, promoting spiritual and mental wellness for users and staff.
A key design driver involved upgrading the existing 40-year-old premises to create a sustainable and energy efficient facility. Consequently, Elanic Hospital features a new heat recovery ventilation system in line with SHTM guidelines and requirements. All windows and glazing have been replaced with double glazing and where possible new insulation has been installed to improve the energy efficiency. All lighting is LED.
From the outset NVDC worked closely with the client, consulting on the viability of the Bath Street building, which had lain empty since a bank vacated the site in the 2000s. In choosing to rejuvenate the 1980’s building, NVDC said it has created an exemplar of sustainability and city centre regeneration.
Farahbod Nakhaie, NVDC founder, said, “Re-Use of existing buildings is an environmentally responsible thing to do, regardless of the building’s architectural qualities. This 1980’s building is a noteworthy example of modernist Brutalist architecture, and so part of Glasgow’s built heritage and history.
“With the demise of retail and the impact this is having on city centres everywhere, it is important that new uses are introduced so that our cities remain the heart of community activities. An active and vibrant city centre is crucial in creating attractive cities with a feelgood factor. The feelgood factor of a city will attract new investment and bring with it a stronger economy for the city and residents.
“The new hospital will therefore not only re-use a large commercial unit which otherwise would have lain empty for years and reinforced the feeling of a deteriorating city, but instead creates jobs, attracts activity into city centre and bring with it forces of regeneration.”
The wider project team included Redpath Construction, main contractor; The Structural Partnership, structural engineers; Charles Scott & Partners, M+E consultants; CRGP, quantity surveyor.
