Internal view of double height waiting area

Close up view of solar shading to south facing elevation

View towards main entrance from south-west corner of car park

Progress photos taken on 25th August (week 63).

Building is due for occupation on Monday 8th September.

The newly constructed Primary Care Centre in Washington incorporates 10No solar pre-heating panels located on the flat roof. The solar panels face due south and will provide up to 85% of the hot water for this new facility, thus reducing the carbon footprint.

The building also incorporates windcatchers to promote natural ventilation and large areas of brise soliel to reduce solar gain.

Washington PCC is due for completion in August.

Week 38 of 60.

View of entrance to Renal Dialysis Unit. Stair tower is fully glazed using Velfac curtain walling system. Velfac system incorporates a completely flat aluminium infill panel, which requires no additional support steel.

Week 38 of 60.

South Elevation taken from outside main waiting area. Full height Velfac windows are in place. Solar shading will be fitted between vertical CHS posts to reduce solar gain from southern aspect. Internally, full height, electically operated blinds will also be fitted. Wind catchers are to be mounted on the roof to provide natural ventilation to the main waiting area.

Week 38 of 60. On programe for completion on 1st August 2008.

All brickwork and windows are now complete. Base coat of Sto render has been applied. Cladding approx 70% complete. Still awaiting arrival of fascias and parapet flashings.

1st fix plumbing and electrics progressing internally. Internal partitions approx 50% complete.

Work has started on the new Washington Primary Care Centre. This is the second PCC that P+HS have designed for Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust. The piles and pile caps are complete and erection of the steel frame is underway [approx 50% complete]. The concrete first and second floors are programmed to commence on 1st October. This photograph was taken from the raised pedestrian walkway at the north-west corner of the site.

The project is being delivered under the P21 procurement method.

Contractor/PSCP: Laing O’Rourke.

Contract Value: £9.2m [GMP]

Completion Date: August 2008.

On Friday 23rd February, P+HS Architects were presented with the 2007 Building Control Quality Award for Best Access/Community Project for the Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre, Grindon Lane, Sunderland. The awards were hosted by Sunderland City Council at the Stadium of Light in recognition of quality, innovation and those who go beyond the regulatory requirements. The event was attended by representatives of the design team, Procure 21, Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust and construction team.

The project has now been entered into The LABC Northern Region Built In Quality Awards to be held at Devere Slayley Hall on Friday 18th May 2007.

Winners of the regional awards will be entered into the National Awards, which will be featured in Building Magazine.

Who said pipe boxings were unattractive?

Just look at this beauty that was discovered in a building recently offered for practical completion by the contractor [who shall remain nameless].

Please take a few moments to gaze in wonder at the skill and craftsmanship required by the joiner. He must surely be commended for his precision with a coping saw. To intricately scribe around the perimeter trim must have been extremely difficult and time consuming. I’m sure you will agree this magnificent pipe boxing is truly a sight to behold.

However, the skill of the decorator and ceiling fitter must also be acknowledged.

See what quality can be acheived when a competent and diligent contractor is employed on a project. Please take note.

NOT!!!