Independent practice Keppie Design has been appointed as architects for Orkney’s new £60m hospital and healthcare facility, it was announced yesterday
The building, at Scapa, which will replace the 89-year-old Balfour Hospital, near the centre of Kirkwall, will serve the Orkney Islands’ 21,000 population.
It is being built by Robertson Construction Group, with AECOM and TUV SUD.
The project marks a return to Orkney for Glasgow-based Keppie, who have previously designed award-winning schools at Kirkwall and Stromness.
The company say that in a challenging environment, at an exposed site, their concept development for the new building focused on creating “interesting spaces shielded from the often extreme weather conditions.” The design features distinctive curves protecting the main entrance space and inpatient areas and reflecting the historical architectural form unique to the islands.
A diverse range of departments will be included, designed to be flexible and adaptable for future expansion and service planning.
The accommodation will comprise flexible integrated wards, maternity and palliative care units, GPs practices and outpatient, dental and emergency departments. There will also be radiology and pharmacy units as wells as labs, operating theatres and a central decontamination Unit.
David Ross, design director at Keppie, said: “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to such an important and exciting project.
“It’s great to be back working in Orkney, where our previous experience of island life, people and their values helped inform our successful hospital submission.
“Close and continued collaboration with key stakeholders from both
the NHS and the local community has been vital to our understanding of the needs and aspirations of all involved”.