Project Brief
Adept were appointed to deliver civil and structural engineering design services for Phase 1 of Barnsley Hospital’s ‘Health on the High Street‘ programme, understood to be the UK’s largest relocation of hospital outpatient services. The scheme will transform parts of the Alhambra shopping centre to create convenient health services within the heart of the town centre.
Solution
We undertook a load appraisal of the existing concrete frame structure – a former retail unit with on-roof car parking – to assess its suitability for supporting the plant and equipment associated with the proposed ophthalmology fit-out. Our assessment found the structure was adequate for supporting the proposed loads without needing strengthening works.
A significant amount of new below-ground drainage was required to service new WC blocks and sinks within consultation rooms. Saniflows were used where possible to minimise the below-ground works although the number that could be installed was limited by the available power supply. As the existing ground floor was designed as a suspended structure, the works had to be carefully considered so as not to compromise the existing structure and the reinstatement works were designed to span between ground beams in a similar fashion to the existing.
In addition to the loading assessment and drainage works, we detailed a new concrete stair between the varied ground floor levels and also designed and detailed support steelwork for new articulating light and gas fittings.
Working with the Architect and M&E Engineers, we provided advice and guidance on the routing of new services through the existing floor and wall structures, minimising the need for potentially costly strengthening works.
The reuse of existing buildings is toward the very top of the hierarchy of net zero design because such schemes minimise the need for additional carbon production or use. We worked safely and with consideration to minimise any disruption to users of the surrounding facilities.
