Scottish architecture group, NVDC, has unveiled its latest flagship private hospital project in Glasgow.

The new £6m Elanic Hospital in Bath Street features not only one of the most-technologically-advanced operating theatres in Scotland, but in locating it in one of the city centre’s neglected Brutalist buildings it is also breathing new life into the city.

Glasgow-based NVDC, founded by architect Farahbod Nakhaei, who has designed more than 100 state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in the UK throughout his 34 years of practice, created the new three-storey hospital for client, Dr Vivek Sivarajan, Medical

The hospital is directly above the Elanic Clinic, which NVDC completed for the same client in 2011.

NVDC has designed Elanic Hospital, formerly the Bath Street branch of Royal Bank of Scotland, as a centre of excellence for general healthcare, specialising in deep-tissue surgeries such as orthopaedics (hip/knee replacement), gynaecology, and weight loss, in addition to Elanic Clinic’s core business of cosmetic procedures.

 

The design of the building reflects the values of the client in creating a comfortable, noninstitutional feel combined with the latest technological advances in healthcare.

The brief was to create a fully-compliant day surgery and hospital facility with two general anaesthetic theatres, five day beds/bedrooms, and recovery rooms, as well as all other necessary ancillary and support functions such as reception, waiting areas, and an admission/discharge lounge.

A large open-plan office space for marketing and administration staff was also specified and this has been created on the newly-constructed floor within the space that was the original banking hall.

NVDC followed a research-based approach to the benefits of healthcare design in developing the meticulously-planned facility for Elanic.

This can be seen in the careful and complimentary choice of colour and materials, finishes, and furniture to help create a calming, welcoming hospital environment, promoting spiritual and mental wellness for all building users, including staff.

A key design driver involved upgrading the existing 40-year-old building to create sustainable and energy-efficient facility.

Consequently, Elanic Hospital features a new heat recovery ventilation system in line with Scottish Health Technical Memorandum (SHTM) guidelines and requirements.

 

All windows and glazing have been replaced with double glazing and, where possible, new insulation has been installed to improve the energy efficiency. All lighting is also LED.

From the outset NVDC worked closely with the client, consulting on the viability of the Bath Street building, which had lain empty since RBS vacated the site in the 2000s.

In choosing to rejuvenate the 1980s building, NVDC has created an exemplar of sustainability and city centre regeneration.

“Re-use of existing buildings is an environmentally-responsible thing to do, regardless of the building’s architectural qualities,’ said Nakhaei.

“This 1980s building is a noteworthy example of modernist Brutalist architecture and so is part of Glasgow’s built heritage and history.

“With the demise of retail, and the impact this is having on city centres everywhere, it is important that new uses are introduced so that our cities remain the heart of community activities.

“An active and vibrant city centre is crucial in creating attractive cities with a feel-good factor. This will attract new investment and bring with it a stronger economy for the city and residents.

“The new hospital will therefore not only re-use a large commercial unit which otherwise would have lain empty for years and reinforced the feeling of a deteriorating city, but instead creates jobs, attracts activity into city centre, and brings with it forces of regeneration.”

 

Project team:

Architects: NVDC

Structural Engineer: The Structural Partnership

M+E Consultants: Charles Scott & Partners

Quantity Surveyor: CRGP/GCM Ltd

Main Contractor: Redpath Construction