Hartlepool Hospital

Client: Carrillion
Installer: Farpod
Structural engineer: Bridges Pound
Architect: Wester and Machell
Project value: £19 million
Type of works: supply and installation of EOS steel framing solutions.

This project forms part of the NHS LIFT programme, driven by government to improve health service provision across the UK. The construction of a new hospital forms part of the investment programme in Hartlepool to improve and modernise primary care services in the area. Both staff and patients will benefit from new and improved physical environments. The construction of buildings fit to take Hartlepool PCT into the 21st century has involved a rigorous design and procurement process. EOS is working as a collaborative partner to supply facade stud-and-track systems for the new hospital. The £19 million health centre will be located at the heart of the community. It will provide diagnostic and treatment facilities, including four GP practices, optometry, podiatry, physiotherapy and long-term patient treatment.

Unique architectural features on the project included a curved finish. EOS design capabilities were applied to specify exact requirements for the creation of an impressive facade. Other interesting elements include long ribbon windows that give the illusion of a continuous strip of glass. To achieve such an effect required the installation of dummy windows which were carefully incorporated into EOS designs and specifications. To complete the contemporary aesthetic, a wide range of external finishes were applied to the facade including brickwork, render, cedar cladding and brickwork solider courses around windows. Accommodating such a range of materials demanded significant versatility from the EOS system.

The steel is a very clean engineered product, ideally suited to the hospital environment. Important in this context are material properties such as resistance to rot and insect infestation. The development of a lean, clean and hardworking health facility requires techniques that can outperform traditional methods, making EOS steel framing solutions an apt decision.

Lean just-in-time production means steel can be delivered with great efficiency. The EOS façade stud-and-track system was designed and delivered to co-ordinate with grid lines and bays specific to the project. Orders were delivered on-site from the local EOS factory on a same day basis.

“We were particularly pleased with the incredible speed with which EOS delivered to site. We know that they work to a very high standard, and can be relied upon for consistent quality and precision. Modern construction methods were critical to the design of the new hospital, and the benefits of EOS’ steel frame were of great value to the project.” Paul Sweeney, Regional Manager, Farpod