20 Years at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary: Architecture For Life

This complex commission necessitated special care to isolate each theatre so that the work could be carried out while the surrounding rooms continued to be in use. Our solution was to build a temporary site outside the hospital, from which a bridge was constructed to enter the theatres through the windows.

The sloping landscape and original layout and structure of the hospital lent itself to a unique set of challenges. The process of individually upgrading the theatres also meant the project took three years but ensured the hospital could continue to operate with no risk to patients.

Performed overnight over several months, the planning of the works meant the hospital could continue business as normal.

The finished work establishes itself as the centrepiece of the hospital; a welcoming entrance that lights up brilliantly at night.

Our interiors team has created bespoke pieces of furniture to engage with areas that would have otherwise gone to waste. One of the areas in which this has worked particularly well are in The Macmillan offices in Block 1, that enjoy wide bay windows.

Instead of leaving a large windowsill, our team created slanted shelving with hidden storage for staff. Not only is it a functional use of space, but it is aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, the chemotherapy unit, oncology ward, and ward 8’s reception space for files were built into the area behind the desk, allowing the receptionists their own discreet filing stations.

The vast number of projects we have delivered has created a sense of continuity throughout. Coloured rooms and corridors aid in wayfinding for patients with dementia. The distinct differences in tone between the walls and the floor have also minimised patient falls.

Most of our team’s projects also have an artwork piece within, usually in the form of a full wall mural. These range from underwater scenery to local images of Huddersfield, creating a profound sense of place throughout the hospital.