The highly sustainable Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff will support a circular economy, promoting excellence in research and patient wellbeing.
The first images for the UK’s greenest hospital have been released – a highly sustainable new cancer centre for patients, staff and the local community. With planning recently approved, the White Arkitekter-designed building will be integrated into a natural setting, respecting the existing ecological habitats and landscape features. The new facility will promote excellence in cancer services and support international research and development.
Velindre Cancer Centre is being developed to comply with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and will become the most sustainable hospital in the UK.
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The design utilises low embodied carbon, bio-based materials that support a circular economy and promote health and wellbeing. Timber and other natural materials such as lime and clay renders, which are breathable, flexible, and anti-fungal, will deliver a natural calming environment for staff, patients, their families and visitors.
The façade design, based on a standard grid, will enable internal spaces to be easily reconfigured without the need for costly structural alterations – allowing the building to respond to space requirements of future innovation in treatment and equipment.
Importantly, the design has been developed to ensure minimum impact on the site. The landscape strategy aims to keep the site as wild as possible by retaining existing habitats and creating new habitats alongside new landscape spaces such as an orchard with Welsh apple varieties, and a community kitchen garden. The scheme also seeks to create informal play areas and a multitude of walking, cycling and relaxation areas.
“Securing planning consent for this exemplary new hospital is excellent news – not only will it provide cutting-edge facilities, but in a wholly sustainable manner,” comments Michael Woodford, Partner at White Arkitekter. “White is proud to be creating spaces that support the fantastic work of the NHS, and we look forward to bringing the scheme to life in close collaboration with the Trust, consortium and local community over the coming years.”
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