CircleBath
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Glazing allows views of the exterior landscape
Nigel Young Download Original
Departing from orthodox hospital design, this hospital gives a hotel style experience for patients
The building provides operating theatres, bedrooms, consultation, treatment, recovery spaces and both in-patient and out-patient accommodation.
The hospital is planned around a central atrium, promoting a sense of orientation and intimacy. Divisions between departments are minimised, reducing walking distances for staff. The double-height atrium forms the focus for patients, staff and visitors, with private consultation rooms leading from it at ground level and in-patient bedrooms arranged above. The main reception point, café and nurses’ station occupy the atrium where daylight naturally fills the spaces.
The building is dug into its hillside site. The northern façade uses dark panelling at the lower levels, while on the south, glazing opens out to views over the surrounding countryside. The rectangular upper volume and roof, enclosing all twenty-eight bedrooms, is clad in a lattice of aluminium shingles.
Throughout the building, there is an emphasis on natural light and views. Balconies line the building’s edges, oriented to maximise views across the surrounding countryside.
Data
- Begun: 2006
- Completed: 2009
- Floor area: 6,400m2
- Sector: Healthcare
- Total cost: £21M
- Funding: Private
- Address: Circlebath, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8SF, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Foster + Partners
- Project architect: Spencer de Grey
- Client: Circle Health Properties Management Ltd
- Project manager: Buro Four Structural
- Cost consultant: Davis Langdon LLP
- Medical equipment: Planner: MJMedical
- Planning consultant: CSJ Planning
- Traffic consultant: IMA Transport Planning
- Main contractor: Taylor Woodrow Construction
- Landscape architect: Plincke Landscape Ltd