Royal Infirmary Extension, Bristol
Architect: Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
Year: 2016
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Category: Healthcare / Health
Status: Unbuilt
About
The project is the result of a competition that was organized by the Bristol Royal Infirmary for the purpose of renovating the frontage of its main building, raised in the 1960s. The objective was not only to give the institution a new image, but also to improve the enclosure’s sealing and thermoacoustic properties. Hence the construction of a lattice composed of rhythmic series of slats, which partly deviates from the original built line to form new public spaces. This ‘veil’ is executed with cassette panels of recycled matte aluminum, which are fixed to a steel subframe by means of a system of hidden profiles. The panels are laid with vertical and horizontal joints in such way that facilitates surface run-off, so that rainwater is immediately led into small channels, preventing residues of any kind from accumulating. This will minimize the need for regular cleaning and also make the building’s skin shine throughout its useful life, estimated to be a period of sixty years... [+] [+]