CONSTRUCTION IN A DEMANDING CLIMATE
Wide single-banked corridor waiting areas catch the sun in winter, but are shaded by roof overhangs in summer. Right: View into main waiting area.
Measuring and monitoring should remain an upfront consideration: Despite a clear desire for a facility with a low environmental impact, budget holders are highly risk-averse. Due to budget constraints, an inadequate control and monitoring system was implemented, but, with hindsight, a more sophisticated system should have been provided. Presently, a large quantity of potentially valuable data is not being recorded because the probes are not connected to a logging device. Challenge everyone to get on board and stay on board: The building energy performance consultants were employed to do the initial modelling, but not retained during the design development stages. Although the remaining multi-disciplinary team succeeded in delivering a well-integrated design, some initiatives necessarily fell by the wayside.
The integration of low-tech and vernacular methods with relatively high-tech modelling, monitoring, and analysis, can potentially deliver even better outcomes, but this would require all stakeholders to remain positively
engaged throughout the project. The energy consultants were appointed again for a post-occupation evaluation, with funding from another source. Allow for post-completion monitoring and tuning: When embarking on a project that tests innovative technology, it is necessary to make contractual and financial allowance for post-completion monitoring and tuning over at least a 12-month cycle to help ensure that the facility operates at its full design potential. Adequate training of operational and maintenance staff is essential, and may need to be repeated.
Maximise the development and transfer of skills: Whether unskilled or highly skilled, local or national, the search for greater sustainability in buildings depends on the development and transfer of skills.
Reference 1 van Reenen C, van Reenen T, Nice J et al. Evidencing the suitability of hybrid design strategies in achieving the recommended Indoor Air Quality in clinics: Case study Hillside Clinic, Beaufort West.
About the authors hej
•Ulrike Kuschke is a public sector architect specialising in healthcare facility design. She has extensive experience of leading complex projects and meeting stretch targets. She has instilled a research and development ethos in her team, leading to the development of guideline documentation, and the provision of highly innovative solutions to health infrastructure problems in the context of a developing economy.
•Yusuf Jacob is a professional mechanical engineer with 22 years’ experience in the built environment. He has been part of the Health Infrastructure unit at the Department of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, South Africa, for several years, and has led various health infrastructure projects from inception to completion. He has experience in sustainable solutions for healthcare facilities.
•Jehan Bhikoo, an architectural technologist, has 8 years’ experience in public healthcare infrastructure delivery in the Western Cape’s Department of Transport and Public Works. She completed an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development at the Bartlett’s Development Planning Unit, University College London. Her drive is to be part of the development of future sustainable cities that tackle socio- environmental challenges.
Socialising in the winter sun at the entrance forecourt. May 2020 Health Estate Journal 33
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