The Knockbreda Centre
The culmination of a three-building project undertaken by the former South and East Belfast Trust providing genuinely integrated, high quality health services tailored to the needs of a local population of around 210,000. This progressive model of integrating health and social care facilities into local ‘one-stop-shops’, combines social care, primary and community healthcare and some acute out of hospital services, and anticipates future changes in technology, practice and demand. A highly consultative approach saw the Trust involved at every stage of design to maximise lessons learned, evaluation and implementation.
Following the emphasis on the patient’s needs, the building creates a stress reducing, yet life affirming environment. Departments are located around a central, naturally lit atrium with public and clinical area on the lower floors and the outreach staff offices on the upper floors. Each floor has waiting areas visible from the atrium space.
The aspect and orientation of the building were considered to limit solar gains, with natural ventilation used where appropriate. Where it was not possible to naturally ventilate spaces due to acoustic and functional issues, mixed mode ventilation was used to reduce the cooling demands.
The building is heated by high efficiency condensing boilers linked with an advanced controls system to optimise efficiency. Lighting controls ensure that no areas are over lit or lit when no‐one is present.
Designed in partnership with Todd Architects.
Gallery
The Knockbreda Centre
