Optegra Eye Health Care’s Flagship Hospital in Harley Street district of London is being hailed as one this year’s top healthcare redevelopments.
Shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit awards, this modern, patient centric ophthalmic hospital is a stunning refurbishment of two conjoined but divergent period buildings to form an elegant and coherent single space, exemplifying clinical excellence and reminiscent of historical detailing.
Designed by international design and technology practice, IBI Group and delivered by contractors ISG Engineering Services, this exquisite transformation provides Optegra with a world-class healthcare environment synonymous with the highest level of professional care.
Arranged over six floors, the hospital offers ophthalmic consultancy services and surgery all under one roof. Facilities include a dedicated refractive suite, spacious consultant rooms, two operating theatres and a stage-one recovery room, a recovery suite with private patient pods, and a dedicated floor for staff including a south facing roof terrace.
Paul Menadue, IBI Group Architect said: “Patients typically remain conscious throughout their clinical procedures and consequently, have a heightened awareness of their environment. The client’s aspiration was for a calm and reassuring space, therefore our design uses high quality materials, the extensive use of glass to manipulate natural light, and a warm tonal palette to create an open, welcoming and luxurious environment.”
The interior design is supplemented through the extensive use of high quality art, which makes a significant contribution to the quality of the patient environment. Incorporating motion artworks, patients are distracted by playful images, such as birds and butterflies at a time when reading may not be an option due to their eye condition.
Caroline McHugh, Hospital Director at Opegra Health Eye Care said: “The feedback we have had about the hospital and the environment on a daily basis, has been absolutely fantastic. Patients, consultants and colleagues alike, all absolutely love the building and what it stands for.”
Paul Sharp, Divisional Director, ISG Engineering Services added: “We were delighted that Optegra entrusted the delivery of their new flagship hospital in the heart of London’s medical district to ISG. The project was logistically challenging and the finished product is the output of a close working relationship with the professional team and our client enabling Optegra to enhance their portfolio of buildings.”
The AJ Retrofit Awards recognise and celebrate design excellence that prolongs and improves the life of the built environment. This year’s awards will take place on 14 September 2016 at The Brewery, London.