Stretto Architects were appointed by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust to support the strategic redevelopment of the Cardiovascular Research Unit in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, leased by the University of Bristol. The project upgrades key research and office spaces serving around 140 staff, delivering modern, fit-for-purpose facilities within a constrained budget and tight, term-time-driven programme.
The proposals centre on a light-touch refurbishment, enhancing health and safety compliance, improving staff well-being amenities, and remodelling existing laboratories and offices to support hybrid working. Innovative solutions were required to bring natural light into circulation spaces, including introducing internal glazed screens to bring ‘borrowed light’ in, creating breakout hubs and establishing vistas to provide views to the outside and to articulate the key circulation limbs.
Sustainability and reuse are prioritised through refurbishment of the existing ventilation system, supplemented by a passive ventilation strategy and high-performance glazing. The project also includes a comprehensive upgrade to the existing passive fire design, bringing it into compliance with the latest statutory regulations, including the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into force in October 2023.
“Working closely with UHBW, the University, structural and MEP consultants, the design balances technical, operational, and regulatory demands, delivering a refreshed, resilient environment for cutting-edge cardiovascular research.”
Sandy Murray, Project Architect, Stretto
