Bristol Heart Institute

CODA Architects were commissioned to design the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI), a world-leading centre for translational cardiovascular research and the top academic cardiac surgery centre in the UK. Craig Bennett was the director responsible and lead designer for the new development which provided confidential and clinical spaces to calming public spaces which could be enjoyed by staff, patients and carers. 

The building has repeatedly been praised in the architectural press for the quality of the design. It was recognised by a number of design awards including an RIBA Town and Country Award in 2010 and the Rose Award for best Healthcare building design outside of London. 

The building is dual aspect. The north side, facing a local residential area has a more domestic feel and is only visible through a curtain of trees. The south side is much grander in proportion in response to the scale and mass of the existing hospital.

The northwest elevation provides the public face of the new building and creates a dramatic improvement to the appearance of the whole hospital precinct. This block of ward accommodation is punctuated by projecting windows and recessed balconies from the patient areas viewing the backdrop of the mature woodland.

The design uses a common palette of materials – white render, glass and pre-patinated copper. The interlocking rectilinear forms of the main entrance and terrace canopy above in copper signify the main entrance to the BHI. The single storey entrance portal leads to the central atrium space, enhanced by the use of natural light and trees, giving patients an immediate sense of calm on arrival. This theme is continued as you move through the building where large windows in the clinical areas give a further sense of space and connection to the outside.

The existing site is an unmanaged greenspace. The retained tree belt to the north provides a natural barrier between the BHI extension and the Kingsdown Conservation area. The main circulation core is on the east elevation to facilitate good circulation between floors and with the fully glazed staircase providing an active façade fronting Marlborough Hill.

The design uses a common palette of materials – white render, glass and pre-patinated copper. The interlocking rectilinear forms of the main entrance and terrace canopy above in copper signify the main entrance to the BHI. The single storey entrance portal leads to the central atrium space, enhanced by the use of natural light and trees, giving patients an immediate sense of calm on arrival. This theme is continued as you move through the building where large windows in the clinical areas give a further sense of space and connection to the outside.

Insulated render is used externally, with pre-patinated copper features. Translucent Kallwall panels are used to provide natural light whilst maintaining the privacy of patients and staff.
The building achieved an excellent NEAT rating and EPC asset rating in band B (43). A high percentage of materials are BRE Green Guide A rated. The predicted total energy consumption is 53.37 GJ/100m3/annum. Specific energy efficiency measures include variable speed on pumps and AHUs, high efficiency lighting, heat recovery, and PIR controls.

A coordinated colour scheme has been selected with reference to the use of suitable colours in the healing environment, and with input from staff and patients. Yellow (warmth & inspiration) and Green (restful) are used in the wards, Orange (sense of wellbeing) in Outpatients and Blue (soothing) in the main circulation. This has created a sense of dignity and organisation.