These are the driving principles of P-DfMA and industrialised construction more generally..
It is rigorous, logical and data-driven.Its application in construction is transformational..
Bringing learning to every healthcare design project.In addition to bringing fresh eyes and ideas to every project, we also build on the learning that we gather from other projects.Our early work with Circle Reading Hospital provided us with excellent foundations: for that project we conducted extensive research into the use dynamics of a hospital, optimising the layout to deliver a hospital with a design that allowed a significantly improved experience for both staff and patients.. Our intention was to develop a set of standard processes and techniques that we would apply to all of our healthcare design projects, while allowing for the specific brief for each facility.
Over the years, we have continually refined and improved these common elements to improve the efficiency of production of design information and the quality of the end product,.while also delivering certainty of cost and programme.. We brought all of this learning to Birmingham.
As at Reading, our primary focus was on the quality of the user experience for patients and staff, as well as the efficiency and usability of the building..
In 2012 we won the Best Patient Experience Award for Circle Reading at the Building Better Healthcare awards.. Hospital Design for flexibility and change.In order to substantially reduce embodied carbon, our designs will adopt the following hierarchy:.
Build Nothing: identify opportunities to reuse existing structures, refurbish and reuse demolition materials onsite.Build Less: optimise the building’s form, structure, structural grid, WWR and DfMA components; recommend the use of durable materials, design-out basements and false ceilings (exposed soffit); design spaces which are adaptable and can be easily deconstructed..
Build Clever: specify low carbon materials with a focus on the recycled content of steel and concrete and the use of timber; maximise the recycled content of finishes, use reclaimed floors and explore system’s rental; where possible use low GWP refrigerants and avoid VRF systems..Build Efficiently: implement innovative construction strategies such as Modern methods of Construction (MMC) and use a DfMA approach to reduce waste onsite..