Matthew Wright, an associate at Gilling Dod Architects, discusses current trends in the construction of mental healthcare facilities in the light of recent demands in building legislation such as the Building Safety Act, with a particular focus on the advantages of building with a concrete frame and non-load-bearing blockwork. He cites the practice’s architectural and design work at Edward Street Hospital in West Bromwich as a good example of what can be achieved.
The push towards buildings that are fully certified implies that in every interface each product should be tested in every possible scenario, but in many cases this is just not possible. The recently completed Edward Street Hospital in West Bromwich was constructed in concrete frame and non-load bearing blockwork. In this article I discuss why this approach should not be discarded when reviewed against more favoured dry trades. Concrete frame and blockwork could be a viable solution with many benefits to design for mental health.
Concrete is a versatile construction material, with applications ranging from foundations to walls, and beams to paving. It is strong and durable; with proper maintenance, concrete buildings can have a lifespan of 50 years or more, and can remain serviceable for much longer. Steel can be put together like Meccano to form complex shapes, installed at high speed, and formed off site. It can be dismantled and rebuilt in a new location. It is for this reason that it is perceived as the more sustainable choice. However, both steel and concrete require enormous amounts of energy to produce.
With a government drive towards Net Zero and Modern Methods of Construction in publicly funded buildings, I have perceived an obvious slant towards steel and the dry trades. I know senior construction professionals who would consider a move back to concrete frame as a step back in time. For instance, when steel frame construction is combined with metal stud internal partitions, the building can be partially prefabricated off site, and put together on site with speed. However, to think that the hard work has now been done would be an oversimplification of the building process and the technicalities that we now face as a construction industry.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.