ACA successfully completed the redevelopment of Longhill Health Centre, in Hull. The redesigned layout and interior of the project fully met the expectations of the client, Citycare. The redevelopment of the new facility has led to a more welcoming atmosphere in the Health Centre.
The clients’ brief was to maximize the space on the ground floor to accommodate more consulting and treatment rooms. Remodelling of space has allowed four extra General Practician rooms to integrate with the updated supporting facilities.
Layout
The layout of the Health Centre is simple yet efficient – the layout increases the operational efficiency of services and provides better circulation for the patients. Increasing storage space ultimately ensures a smoother service and maximum storage areas.
Hence, the design and facilities at Longhill Health Centre focus on ensuring the wellbeing of the patients, staff and local community.
Accessibility
The Health Centre is easily accessible to the local community, and the facility boasts an increased parking capacity that is proportionate to the number of staff and consulting rooms. In addition, easy access to the Health Centre allows locals to benefit from an onsite library and pharmacy.
Interior Design
The ACA design team carefully applied dementia-friendly design principles inside Longhill Health Centre to subtly support way-finding.
In addition, the overall interior design takes the concept of people-centred integration into consideration.
The selected materials for both the interiors and exteriors ensure a welcoming atmosphere.
Colours
Floor colours deliberately contrast with the walls to support dementia patients with easy navigation, particularly areas such as the staircases and toilets. In addition, the colours of furniture, toilet seats and crockery also contrast with the adjacent surface colours.
Moreover, the overall colour palette selected for the interior is warm and soothing.
Lighting
A health centre design demands a very controlled use of light whether that is natural light or artificial. Protection against excessive radiation controls the amount of natural light.
The achievement of the correct level of light for respective activities is one of the vital considerations of the project.
For artificial lights, the sockets are easily accessible.
Noise Reduction
Use of soft materials helps to significantly reduce noise levels. Careful consideration of colours for cushions, curtains, rugs and mats, avoids any confusion and prevents dementia patients from any risks of falls.
Fire Safety
Updating the fire statutory requirements ensures fire safety.
