A Tyne and Wear community has been given a new lease of life following the opening of the new-build Primary Care Centre at Houghton Le Spring, complete with the Optima IPC System - pioneered by leading UK manufacturer of rainscreen and bespoke architectural fabrications Sotech.
The building, which has become the first healthcare project to be awarded a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating, and was recently awarded the title of Best Healthcare Building in the UK, brings together a combination of social care and health facilities, as well as being close to the existing leisure centre near to the town centre.
Specified by P+HS Architects and installed by Indbuild Ltd, the Optima IPC System, provided in aluminium with a pre-coat finish to look like Corten steel, is one of many aspects that helped the building go above and beyond the Department of Health’s required ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating.
The system allows for quick and accurate installation, whilst being low maintenance with a very long life. In this case a curved sub structure was developed by Sotech, which allowed for the panels to follow the curve on site.
The materials used in the system can be recycled in the future, as well as allowing for different colours and materials to be used on the metal plank cladding. All components meet the requirements laid out in BS476 part 7, Class O.
Complete with a 24 bed rehabilitation ward, GP consulting rooms and diagnostic areas laid out around a central two story atrium, the building has been heralded as exemplary for its low carbon construction technologies and low energy consumption levels.
John Egginton, Managing Director of Sotech said: “Our buildings seem to be attracting awards up and down the country. We are delighted to be associated with BREEAM.
"Houghton Le Spring is just down the road from Sotech’s factory, so it gives our workforce a chance to see the finished article first hand. The Sotech team, and Indbuild, should be proud of their achievement, in helping create such a stunning building to serve the local community. “
