Health Futures UTC - Associated Architects

Project Value:

£8 million

Client:

Completion:

2015

Key Points

EPC: A
BREEAM: Very Good
Mock hospital ward
Simulation & skills suite
Conservation area
Lecture theatre

The highest standard of health & scientific technologies

We were asked to deliver the 5,400sq.m Health Futures University Technical College (UTC) for the University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust and 20 other health sector partners. Working alongside the large and knowledgeable consortium allowed us to develop a tailored learning environment that serves over 600 students. Health Futures UTC caters to students aged 14 to 19 and is equipped with the highest standard of health and scientific technologies, providing those students with the best environment to develop their technical skills.

Internally, the building is designed to enhance the aspirational goals of the facility, creating a bright, attractive and modern place of study for the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. A dramatic double-height entrance plaza serves as a striking first impression to the building.

Specialist Facilities

Alongside more typical educational facilities, such as lecture and seminar rooms, our design also includes specialist laboratories, a mock hospital ward, a visualisation suite, a human performance suite, fitness gym and activity studio. The building also is home to a rooftop multi-use games area and cafe. The Health Futures UTC achieved a BREEAM rating of Very Good, setting a strong sustainable agenda for the facility.

Contributing to on-going revitalisation

Health Futures UTC was built on a prominent brownfield site on West Bromwich High Street, within the Conservation Area, and contributed to the ongoing revitalisation of the town. Close collaboration with the local planning authority ensured that our response was mindful of the Conservation Area, with massing responding to the local context.

Our design maximises the site’s available space, utilising different levels to create external leisure areas, such as a terraced rear courtyard. An external palette of Staffordshire blue brick, blue glazed brickwork and coloured aluminium cladding combine to create a distinct visual style for the UTC.