Aldershot Centre for Health

The high thermal insulation of the fabric means that the predicted energy consumption will be well below government set targets.   This is achieved by the specification of high frequency low energy lighting throughout the building, heat recovery on all mechanical ventilation systems, electric motors inverter driven to ensure maximum efficiency and heating controls weather compensated.  The installations are controlled and monitored by an intelligent Building Management System.  A major contributor to the sustainability of the building was the specification of a TrimoRaster composite cladding system for the prominent façade areas.  “This is a contemporary pre-finished steel panel product which offers a clean crisp finish using concealed fixings but providing good thermal insulation characteristics – and is a cost effective solution,” said architect Chris Allen.

He explains that the choice of pre-finished steel panel from Corus in Colorcoat Prisma® was to reinforce the contemporary aesthetic of the building.  “But it was also to contrast and complement the strong Berkshire red brick which is used at low level to the ground floor plinth and to feature stair towers as a reference to existing adjoining historical buildings in the immediate context.”

Response to the building has been very positive.  “It is a fantastic facility and I am confident that the local community will be impressed with what they see when they visit the Centre for Health for the first time,” said Inger Hebden, Director of Capital Planning.  What could have been a utilitarian solution to a complex brief is, in reality, an elegant building with a lightness of touch. In spite of financial constraints and problems presented by a largely sloping site, Aldershot Health Centre is a success story which is reflected in Inger Hebden’s comment.

“Creating a community-centred facility on such a large scale has been a challenge,” said Chris Allen.  “The slope of the site allowed for a series of strategically located car park decks to be largely hidden from view and incorporated into the tiered landscape.” 
Clinical accommodation is located in the first three storeys with office and administration on the top floor where a ring of clerestory glazing commands outstanding views of the town and adjacent army land. “The building has been likened to a hilltop town, its profile matching and enhancing the landscape,” said Chris.