Nelson Health Centre, Merton
30th May 2017

Architectural aluminium systems by KAWNEER were specified for their cost-effectiveness on an award-winning replacement healthcare facility, the £11 million Nelson Health Centre in Merton, Wimbledon, South London.

Kawneer’s AA100 zone-drained curtain walling, swing doors with automatic door sets, series 190 heavy-duty entrance doors, and multi-coloured and multi-laminated glass fins were specified by architects Murphy Philipps for the project

A replacement for the Nelson Hospital, the new three-storey BREEAM “Excellent” building, which sits in a conservation area, was built by Rydon Construction for NHS Sutton and Merton as part of the BHCH (Better Healthcare Closer to Home).

The project involved the demolition of the existing hospital, ranging in age from Edwardian when the hospital opened in 1911, through to the 1990s, with the retention of three areas of Pavilion Block façade and a remodelling of a section of public highway known as The Rush.

The project won of Best Primary Care Development at the Building Better Healthcare awards. The judging panel reported: “This development shows very clever use of the old buildings in the area. It fits in remarkably well with its surroundings.”

Constructed of concrete frame, light gauge steel infill and brick cavity walls, the fenestration systems by Kawneer was installed by sub-contractor APiC UK. The glass fins were structurally designed to hang from the curtain walling and protrude some 700mm.

Astrid Pernstich of Murphy Philipps said: “We specified the Kawneer systems for their cost-effectiveness. Their part in the project was critical as the design concept consisted of creating a contrast between solid and transparent elements along the building façade that highlighted the original and new elements of the building.

“The frame configuration reflected the proportions within both the new and existing façade elements. Also, it introduced views and transparency to improve the internal environment for patients and staff.”