All eyes on Optegra flagship hospital

Published: 30-Jun-2016

Harley Street development in running for top design award

Shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit Awards , Optegra Eye Health Care’s flagship hospital in Harley Street, London, is being hailed as one this year’s top healthcare redevelopments.

This modern, patient-centric ophthalmic hospital is a stunning refurbishment of two conjoined-but-divergent period buildings, forming an elegant and coherent single space, exemplifying clinical excellence and reminiscent of historical detailing.

Designed by international design and technology practice, IBI Group, and delivered by contractor, ISG Engineering Services; the transformation provides Optegra with a world-class healthcare environment synonymous with the highest level of professional care.

Arranged over six floors, the hospital offers ophthalmic consultancy services and surgery all under one roof. Facilities include a dedicated refractive suite, spacious consultant rooms, two operating theatres, and a stage-one recovery room, a recovery suite with private patient pods, and a dedicated floor for staff including a south-facing roof terrace.

Paul Menadue, IBI Group architect, said: “Patients typically remain conscious throughout their clinical procedures and, consequently, have a heightened awareness of their environment. The client’s aspiration was for a calm and reassuring space. Therefore, our design uses high-quality materials, the extensive use of glass to manipulate natural light, and a warm tonal palette to create an open, welcoming and luxurious environment.”

The interior design is supplemented through the extensive use of high-quality art, which makes a significant contribution to the quality of the patient environment. Incorporating motion artworks, patients are distracted by playful images, such as birds and butterflies, at a time when reading may not be an option due to their eye condition.

Caroline McHugh, hospital director, said: “The feedback we have had about the hospital and the environment on a daily basis has been absolutely fantastic. Patients, consultants and colleagues alike, all absolutely love the building and what it stands for.”

Paul Sharp, divisional director at ISG Engineering Services, added: “We were delighted that Optegra entrusted the delivery of their new flagship hospital in the heart of London’s medical district to ISG. The project was logistically challenging and the finished product is the output of a close working relationship with the professional team and our client enabling Optegra to enhance their portfolio of buildings.”

The AJ Retrofit Awards recognise and celebrate design excellence that prolongs and improves the life of the built environment. This year’s awards will take place on 14 September at The Brewery in central London.

All eyes on Optegra flagship hospital

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