Wallsend Health Centre

Health // Wallsend

IBA were commissioned in August 2012 to produce a design and specification to refurbish and upgrade Wallsend PCT Health Centre; a 1940’s Art Deco Grade II listed building situated within ‘The Green’ Conservation Area, North Tyneside. The Art Deco influence includes strong, crisp symmetry and characteristic elements such as fluted motifs, hexagonal features and Portland stone heads, cills and stepped parapets throughout.

In order to reduce heat loss, conserve energy, improve patient / staff comfort and sympathetically restore aesthetics the works included the full refurbishment of the existing single glazed steel windows and timber frame surrounds; the discrete installation of aluminium single glazed secondary glazing and the replacement of existing timber windows with double glazed thermally broken aluminium replica windows to match existing.

The specification of a single ply membrane over insulation with carefully detailed concealed gutters throughout the roof upgraded the thermal envelope to meet current Building Control standards whilst preserving the historic aesthetic of the building.

Other works included the internal refurbishment of floors and ceilings; the coordination of mechanical and electrical fixtures and fittings and the installation of an external accessible ramp and steps in keeping with its contextual environment to facilitate the buildings safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.

The successful completion of the project demanded complex consultation with the Local Authorities including English Heritage, Historic Building Officer, Conservation Officer, Planning Case Officer, Bio Diversity Officer and Building Control.