Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Project: Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Segment: Healthcare

Country/city: United Kingdom, Liverpool

Architect: BDP

Installer: Horbury Group

Main contractor: Laing O’Rourke

Photographer: Paul Karalius

Project size: 300m²

Transforming Cancer Care – Collaboration makes for a stunning biophilic atrium design with excellent acoustics

The new 11 storey state of the art Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool in the heart of City will deliver highly specialist cancer care. Nestled in the city’s knowledge quarter it will be positioned to collaborate with the very best of innovation and research in this sector.

The project was 7 years in the making from the client’s initial vision to hand over. Construction took 36 months and is part of a £162m scheme. BDP architects led the design, with Aecom providing the engineering including the acoustics. Constructing the project were Laing o’Rourke acting as the principle contractor and Horbury providing the acoustic finishes to the atriums.

The project team displayed a strong collaborative approach from the outset informed by a clear vision from the client. Throughout the design process physical models and virtual reality were used alongside the BIM models to easily demonstrate how the building would work. Early on in the project the acoustic engineer identified some challenges with acoustics in the two atria which were a critical part of the building design and patient experience. This early intervention allowed an acoustic solution to become part of the interior design of the space and not just an additional functional element.

The involvement of Ecophon at these early design stages allowed for a hybrid system to be designed to meet the complex acoustic and aesthetic demands, whilst still being a cost effective solution. We were also able to ensure that the system met the requirements for infection control and cleaning. Due to the knowledge and experience of a specialist installer, Horbury, supported by Ecophon’s technical expertise the end result is stunning. Horbury’s Lee Murray added ‘the cutting lists and templates provided made it easy to follow’ and ‘the flexibility of the Ecophon system allowed us to tweek things on site if needed’.

Matt Cassindari from Ecophon reflects on the importance of early engagement when it comes to this type of design:

“Working with the design team early on in the project was key to its success. A lot of variables in the construction meant designing a hybrid Ecophon system and engaging the installer Horbury prior to installation meant the whole project ran seamlessly.”

“This project was a great testament to the importance of considering acoustics in atriums as they are such an essential part of the building; both aesthetically and functionally. It was essential and they had to be designed for purpose and inclusive”, Matt concludes.

Contact Greg Mocke for further information.
Email: Greg.mocke@ecophon.co.uk