A recent project at Peterborough Hospital highlights the versatility and efficiency offered through modular construction.
With a significant challenge in increasing its bed capacity during the winter, the hospital faced a time when demand for healthcare services drastically peaked. To meet this need efficiently, the hospital turned to modular building specialist Wernick.
The new two-storey building consisting of 22 modules added 20 beds with ensuite facilities and included essential hospital infrastructure such as a reception area, pantry, offices, and utility rooms. To ensure aesthetic harmony with the surrounding buildings, a terracotta rainscreen cladding was incorporated. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of modular construction in addressing urgent healthcare infrastructure needs, particularly when speed and quality are paramount.
Wernick’s modular solution not only met the immediate requirements but also provided a flexible option for future expansion. The quick installation process helped minimise disruption to ongoing hospital operations, a crucial factor in a healthcare setting. This project is an example of how modern construction techniques can adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, offering both efficiency and high-quality patient environments.
Speed of programme
Peterborough Hospital required an emergency facility delivered on time, with minimal disruption to hospital activities. Programme reliability and speed are fundamental benefits of modular construction making it ideally suited to healthcare environments.
David Moss was Director of Estates and Facilities at Peterborough Hospital when the project was commissioned and completed. He commented: “The reason why we needed to expand our hospital bed base is because we were under real pressure in the winter months. The additional 20 beds will be used to alleviate some of the pressures that we will feel in the winter period. We needed a solution to be delivered quickly, so we went for a modular option”.
Sustainable construction
Manufacturing a building in a factory setting whilst building work takes place on-site cuts construction programmes by approximately 50%. Modules are taken to the site by lorry and craned into position, a process which can take just one or two days.
As a result, the movement of vehicles and the number of personnel required for each project can be reduced by as much as 90% compared to many ‘traditional’ build programmes. This means lower noise pollution and disturbance to patients, as well as fewer carbon emissions and diesel fumes from power generators and construction vehicles. Sites with tight access points or a small footprint also benefit from decreased movements on site. Where required, modules arrive with interior fixtures and fittings in situ, decreasing the time required at the location further.
Modules are constructed to strict standards – Wernick’s modules are manufactured under ISO 9001 and 14001, in a dedicated facility, using a building system which fits the client’s budget and aesthetic. These systems are carefully designed to minimise material waste during the construction phase, and any waste produced is fully recycled, all without compromising the performance of the building for its intended use.
Flexible design
The look of the building was an important consideration for the hospital trust, which specified external cladding to match the buildings already on site. The result is a building that is indistinguishable from the surrounding hospital building. A link to the main rehabilitation building, provided using an additional module, further creates the illusion of a building that has always been there.
There is no end to the aesthetic possibilities of modular buildings, whether you require a building which blends into the landscape or one which catches the eye. Wernick’s in-house design team have the expertise to bring architectural flair to any project.
For future-proofing, additional modules can be added to the building later, either alongside, linked to, or on top of the existing building. Again, this is ideally achieved with early engagement with a modular building supplier. You can expect a typical design life for a modular building of 50 years +, and your building, with normal general maintenance, will provide all the comfort you’d expect from a ‘permanent’ building.
David Moss added, “We’re extremely pleased with the finish of the building. The walls are all an acrylic finish which is very good for infection prevention and maintenance. We are very pleased with the mechanical and electrical elements of the project, which were completed very effectively and to a very high standard.”
Mark Carter, Commercial Director at Wernick Buildings commented, “Our work in Peterborough stands as a testament to how modular buildings can effectively relieve the pressures on healthcare facilities and support the growing demand for accommodation space.
By employing our modular construction approach, we were able to deliver high-quality accommodation swiftly, minimising disruption to ongoing medical services. We are proud to deliver a building that helps Peterborough Hospital to continue their vital work in a well-equipped and supportive environment.”
