Maple have been appointed to design, supply and install an architectural façade for a new £10m endoscopy unit at Colchester Hospital.
The new development will be completed alongside principal contractor Western Building Systems and is part of wider expansion plans by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). The new building will house relocated endoscopy services in a modern, purpose-built facility designed to enhance patient experience and improve clinical capacity.
On the south and west elevations, the building will feature timber-effect cladding in charcoal across the entire façade. Wood-effect aluminium is a popular choice for architects looking to achieve the rustic appearance of timber without dealing with the inevitable maintenance costs. It provides the best of both worlds in terms of aesthetics and practicality as it is lighter and more sustainable.
The timber-effect cladding will be paired with sections of white rockpanel cladding to create contrast and add depth. The stair core will be clad with Nebula® expanded mesh in sapphire blue, adding colour variation to the design.
On the north elevation, sapphire blue Nebula® mesh panels extend across the façade, featuring alongside the charcoal cladding. The east elevation features further use of Nebula® mesh in sapphire blue on the stair core and main elevation, with white rockpanel completing the clean, clinical aesthetic.
Colchester Hospital is the latest addition to our growing portfolio of hospital projects. To see our greatest projects in the healthcare sector so far, take a look at this article.