Queen’s Building, Bristol Royal Infirmary,University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

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The existingbuilding’s concretehas got some

problems. We are tidying it upand making sure it is safe. Thenew system will protect thestructure underneath so it willnot deteriorate. And there willbe better natural ventilation inthe hospital when thewindows are open.

Andy Headdon, Strategic Development

Programme Director, University Hospitals

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

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Many thanks to everyone forensuring the windows on A604were completed on time. They

have made so much difference tothe ward and the generalwellbeing of staff and patients.

Ann Parker, Sister, Ward A604,

Trauma and Orthopaedics

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+ Q u e e n ’s B u i l d i n g , B r i s t o l R o y a l I n f i r m a r y, U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l s B r i s t o l N H S Fo u n d a t i o n Tr u s t

The Queen’s Building was built in the mid-60s. Over time it has been subject to anongoing programme of internalrefurbishment and modernisation but likemany buildings from the same era hasretained its original façade. Once voted theugliest building in the city of Bristol, theexisting façade provided little visual appeal,was thermally inefficient generating highcarbon emissions, afforded limited naturalventilation/light and, with failing concrete,had become unsafe in places. When theappearance of the building was discussedwith patients and visitors they respondedthat it gave the impression that the hospitalwas dirty.

In seeking a creative, cost-effectiveapproach to solving these significant and

growing problems, the Trust approachedarts and health consultancy Willis Newsonfor ideas. The solution embraced was aninternational design competition managedby Willlis Newson on behalf of the Trustwith the aim of creating a landmarkbuilding for Bristol that was welcoming andnon-threatening to visitors/passers-by,which enhanced the local streetscape andpublic realm and reflected, throughexcellence in design, the Trust’s reputationfor clinical excellence.

Six national and international artists andarchitects were invited to submit proposalsand the winner was “Veil” by Spanisharchitects Nieto Sobejano Architectos.Public consultation was undertaken toprovide feedback on the competition

entries, with presentations in local shoppingcentres and in the media. The winningdesign was subsequently developed forconstruction with CODA Architects andcomprised insulated aluminium rainscreenovercladding and high-performancewindows, an integrated LED lightinginstallation and a new freestanding screenbetween the hospital building and the roadto create a restful, open space ‘garden’.

This was a challenging construction projectrequiring a specialist. d+b facades wasappointed following a two-stageprocurement process. Prior tocommencement on-site, there was intensiveand continuous design development withall parties working collaboratively involvingthe creation of mock-ups in order toachieve the stringent architectural andbuilding performance requirements. Theproject had to be deliverable whilst thebuilding was fully occupied and within costand programme constraints. An innovativesolution involving low opacity window filmwas required to maintain privacy and meetthe architectural intent that “Veil” shouldhave no visible windows whilst concurrentlyimproving natural ventilation and internallight. The on-site programme commencedin May 2015 and completed 13 monthslater.

The results are stunning. Through high-quality, sustainable refurbishment of theBristol Royal Infirmary, the Trust has raisedthe bar of what is achievable for datedbuildings and set a magnificent example toother NHS Trusts. The Queen’s Building nowhas a striking new, welcoming, energy-efficient façade which reflects the quality of

clinical services provided within. The façadeprotects the original building’s fabric andmeets present building regulations, future-proofing and extending the life of thebuilding for generations to come.

The project has met all objectives and wasdelivered on time, within budget and withminimal disruption to building users. It isbest summed-up by a nursing sister whosaid “it has made so much difference to thegeneral well-being of staff and patients.”

…our proposal did notintend to radically changethe original image of the

building, but rather to transform itfollowing the same geometrical lawwhich had generated it. We limitedourselves to wrap the existing gridwith white aluminum profiles, thussolving the technical problems ofthe façade. Like a veil that adheresand separates from the skin, thenew lattice display comes off thefaçade creating interstitial publicspaces that suggest a newrelationship between the hospitaland its urban context. Façade andbuilding enter a dialogue in which itis no longer easy to discern who issubject to who, the part orthe whole.

Enrique Sobejano and Fuensanta Nieto,

Nieto Sobejano Architectos S.L.P.

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”Project background

© f t h

+Q u e e n ’s B u i l d i n g , B r i s t o l R o y a l I n f i r m a r y, U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l s B r i s t o l N H S Fo u n d a t i o n Tr u s t

Prior to commencement on-site, there was intensive and continuous design developmentwith all parties working collaboratively involving the creation of mock-ups in order toachieve the stringent architectural and building performance requirements.

Early design involved the use of metal mesh. This developed into applying film to the windows.

The final solution met the architectural intent that “Veil” shouldhave no visible windows whilst meeting the performancerequirement of transmittance of light internally.

Mock-up installed on the building.

Design and Design Development

+T 01980 654230 E mail@dbfacades.com www.dbfacades.com

All after photos © fotohaus