Adult Mental Health Units - Portsmouth & Havant
The project involved the construction of four new adult mental health units. The ‘landmark’ buildings, two in Havant and two in Portsmouth comprise of two short-term treatment facilities and two smaller residential units, which act as a long-stay unit, offering rehabilitation treatment for people with mental health problems. In total, the project provided 94 en-suite bedrooms.
Prefabricated concrete bathroom pods, developed by Interserve and manufactured in Italy, were craned into place, while built-in wardrobe units were also prefabricated off-site; thus saving time during the construction process. Natural illumination was used in certain corridors.
The layout took account of many design features sought in this type of facility, including central hub nursing stations, splayed corridor corners and open common areas for good visibility, avoidance of hiding places and extensive use of pipe casing in ablution areas to minimise vandalism/ligature issues.
The buildings have traditional trench fill foundations with a structure comprising load bearing masonry and steel frame components. The four slabs are either beam and block or ground bearing slabs. The ground bearing slabs are glass fibre reinforced to speed up the construction process. The exterior envelope comprises face brickwork, ‘through colour’ render, cedar boarding and curtain walling. The roofs are finished with slate or standing seam aluminium. The buildings have curved walls and many interesting architectural features that give a ‘non-institutional feel’.
Designed to be a landmark project, there was great emphasis on the importance of environment in aiding the recovery process. Secure gardens formed an integral part of the scheme and incorporated both water features and works of art.
Construction works are completed and the new facilities are now fully operational.
