Background
The Springfield Estates Modernisation Program project consisted of the demolition of a number of existing hospital buildings part of the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and the construction of two new mental health buildings (Forensic Building and Non-forensic Building, known as Trinity and Shaftesbury buildings). The two buildings include the following:
- Non-forensic – 3 wards, CAMHS and adult outpatient department, training facilities, FM facilities and the main hospital reception.
- Forensic – 4 secure wards, FM workshops and a reception area.
Designed in partnership with NHS staff, patients and carers, the new buildings are part of a £150m investment that aims to breathe new life into local mental health services.
As part of the innovative design, the facilities feature 20 world-class artworks created in partnership with arts and mental health charity Hospital Rooms – the first time an arts project of this scale has been undertaken in the NHS.
In 2023, 30 teams including nearly 500 patients and staff will be moving into the two new buildings. The facility will be home to four wards and a variety of outpatient mental health services providing support to people across the boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth.
(All images credit SRM)
What we did
Anderson Acoustics supported lead architect C.F. Möller in the acoustics design and development of RIBA Stages 4 and 5, including commissioning testing. The project has been built by principal contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, which Anderson Acoustics also supported during the construction stages of the project. Acoustic consultancy services were provided to ensure the design satisfied the relevant requirements in HTM 08-01, BS8233, BREEAM and Local Authority with regard to internal ambient noise levels, sound insulation, reverberation time criteria and plant noise control.
Challenge
The design of building services plant required careful consideration in terms of noise and vibration control, given a hospital of this size and nature require a significant amount of plant. Detailed design advice was provided to ensure the operations of the new health buildings do not impact on the living conditions of neither patients/users of the hospital nor nearby residential receptors.
There were several acoustic-related challenges in the project, such as controlling noise emissions from the significant amount of cooling and emergency plant serving the scheme, as well as the design of suitable high performance partitions between bed wards / observation rooms (which included large areas of glazing), the development of suitable acoustically absorptive solutions for certain highly sensitive spaces (incorporating suitable patient-safety requirements typical of mental health facilities).
Testimonials
“We are thrilled be moving into this fantastic new building on time and in budget. Trinity represents the best of what we can achieve in the NHS when we come together with our community to create first-class environments for patients and service users. From spacious, bright new wards to award-winning garden courtyards and vibrant artworks throughout, this building has been designed to break stigma and provide healing spaces where patients receive high quality care, treatment and recovery and where our teams are proud to work. Our Trust mission is Making Life Better Together, and this new facility is key to delivering this as we work with our community to transform mental health services in South West London. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us to bring our vision for Trinity to life” Trust Chief Executive, Vanessa Ford
“I am really excited about the new Jupiter ward. Not only does it look amazing, but it will also make a huge difference to the experience of both patients and staff. It has large ensuite bedrooms, a sensory room, a private garden, ample daylight and a feeling of openness throughout. There’s also more space for staff to work in and new technology that will improve the way we work.” Jupiter Ward Manager, Caroline Lekuru
