Health help
Curtain walling and windows from architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer are being installed as part of the biggest single investment in North Staffordshire healthcare in the 60 years of the NHS.
Kawneer’s AA100 dry-jointed curtain walling with narrower, 50mm sightlines, and ACS windows feature on phase two of the £370 million redevelopment of the estate of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust.
This comprises a new £180 million acute facility, or hub and ward block, on the site of the former City General hospital, designed by HKS Architects to a ‘Fit for the future’ brief that includes making maximum use of natural daylight and ventilation and simple way-finding.
Kawneer-approved specialist contractor Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions began on site in spring 2009 and will work until autumn 2010 on the 87,000m² building which covers an area roughly the size of two football pitches and is due for completion in 2012.
Off site construction methods have been brought to bear on the installation of the Kawneer windows as they are being pre-glazed and fitted to pre-cast concrete panels on site prior to them being lifted into position. This not only eases access requirements but allows the main contractor to seal the building more quickly, enabling follow-on trades to start earlier.
Image: HKS Architects
