The project was procured via a RIBA competition to select an architect and main contractor team that could transform the poorly performing building with a modern cladding solution to improve its look and performance. The competition was won in 2010 by a team of ISG and Hopkins Architects.
Client for the projects is the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Consulting engineer Arup is managing the structural, MEP, façade, fire and acoustic engineering services for the project. The re-cladding solution features a new glazed external envelope creating two new triangular atria. A range of passive controls is included to maintain ambient temperatures within the building. The atria roofs will be constructed from ETFE cushions in a diamond configuration to shade direct sunlight from the south, while permitting softer indirect light from the north to naturally illuminate the internal space.
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New steelwork, hung from the roof, will support single glazing on the western façade, with aluminium ventilation louvers at the top and bottom of each panel to naturally ventilate the buffer zone between the existing and new envelope. Additional high level timber solar shading panels will reduce solar gain, while maintaining views across the River Thames to the House of Parliament.
Situated opposite the Houses of Parliament, the East Wing is a prominent landmark on the South Bank. The 1960s structure has leaked for years.
It is at the heart of the St Thomas’ Hospital campus and currently houses cardiology services, two intensive care units and admission wards. The building has a 200-bed capacity alongside clinical suites and offices, teaching facilities and ancillary plant and storage areas. Throughout the duration of the project, all of these facilities will remain fully operational.
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