Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Integrated Pathology Laboratory

The Brief

Located at the Northern Campus, the scheme was a key driver in the Trust’s approach to provision of laboratory medicine and the new building forms the first phase of the process with subsequent refurbishment works to existing facilities at both the Northern and Central campuses.

Consultation with up to 20 different stakeholders, building visits and presentations to staff were held throughout the project to inform, assess and challenge the brief and develop the design. This high level of stakeholder engagement was vital to address the complex and changing operational requirements of department and was a significant factor in the success of the scheme. Following handover of the building feedback has been very positive across the entire Laboratory Medicine directorate at the Trust.

The Design

Spread over three floors, the new build provides approximately 4860m² of high quality accommodation including both routine and specialist laboratories, ancillary support space, office and training accommodation and dedicated staff and changing facilities. Spaces are organised around a central atrium, which brings light into central areas, as well as being a key driver of the circulation, natural ventilation and smoke control strategies.

The Outcome

The new facility encourages a cross disciplinary approach, includes integrated automated technologies and is flexible to allow future growth, modern process and technological changes. A key example is the automated laboratory; this was designed as a column free area, with a bespoke linear drainage system, to allow for changing equipment layouts and physical growth.

The scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and includes a highly efficient envelope, solar shading, high performance glazing, natural ventilation to offices, efficient services and control, off-site services modules, PV arrays and an extensive green roof.