Villa Medical Centre Wirral

Architectural Emporium were asked to design this new build medical centre on the Wirral. Situated on sloping ground, the design maximises the change in levels by housing the staff area on a lower level with access to a private courtyard. The simple pitched volumes sensitively echo surrounding buildings with two masonry wings housing the public medical facilities on the ground floor. A glazed entrance and waiting room is set between and offers views of the courtyard and greenbelt beyond. Traditional and inventive use of materials such as brickwork and tiles add a sense of permanance and quality to the scheme. The fenestration shifts from a loose composition at the most prominent corner to a more regular off-set pattern as you move around the building. A medical cross motif is formed on the primary elevation using projecting brick headers. A prominent triangular sign marks the entrance and continues the angular architectural language of the roof pitches. Internal signage further reinforces the theme, with a warm colour scheme running through the paint finishes to the furniture specification. This scheme was delivered on a very tight budget with AE leading various rounds of value engineering to ensure the key components of the scheme were retained and not cut, with savings found in less critical areas. AE resisted requests to add additional materials and complicate the form in order to deliver a sensitive, simple and modern scheme that sits comfortably in its environment.