Key Facts:
Client Name: Facemed Ltd.
Location: Cray’s Hill, Essex
Type of client: Medical, Cosmetic Surgery
Discipline provided by M+C: Architectural Design | Planning Services | Project Support
M+C Lead: John Allum
As one of Essex’s leading cosmetic surgeries and aesthetic dental practices; Facemed‘s continued growth presented the need for new, bespoke premises. With previous successful project experience with this prestige client; Munday + Cramer were appointed to provide architectural design and planning services to bring this new cosmetic surgery to life. The site of the All Saint’s Worship Hall in Cray’s Hill had already been purchased by Facemed for the scheme. The hall had fallen in to disrepair, having been abandoned some years earlier. The hall however provided significant architectural interest; featuring an unusual 20th Century design. As such, the demolition of the hall had to be undertaken in such a way as to record the construction methods used for posterity and local interest.
Understanding the likely objections arising from the change of use required, M+C put forward a design that was sympathetic to the original hall. The initial design drew on the hall’s unusual double pitched roof. Internal layouts were planned carefully, with space planning optimised to ensure that the variation from the existing footprint would be minimised. Despite this cautious approach to developing a contemporary design, a number of design developments were required to satisfy local planners. The final, approved design compromised on the footprint and also the levels of the site to minimise visual impact. However, careful space planning ensure that all requirements of the Care Quality Commission and Department of Health were met in full; the surgery was also able to maintain all of the planned facilities.
The overall design, and the specification of the works throughout have provided an opulent level of sophistication throughout the building. Natural light floods throughout, giving a calm, tranquil feeling to the surgery. Throughout the surgery, the highest quality materials and products have been used adding to the prestige, and reassuring patients of Facemed’s attention to detail.
Throughout the design process, and once on-site; M+C heavily relied upon the practice’s ArchiCAD 3D modelling software. The ability to provide walk-through modelling enabled the client to easily envisage and review alterations. This approach was vital to ensuring the continued progress and success of the scheme. The client undertook their own procurement activities, employing a known local contractor. M+C were retained during the construction period to provide technical advice and support. A range of further internal alterations were made during the construction phase, requiring additional drawing and specification work.