Health Services Executive commissioned A&D Wejchert and Partners to design the Health Care Centre at Irishtown to provide primary care services for the people of the locality. Patients visit the centre for dental, nursing, GP and therapy treatment. It also acts as a base for community based services.
The architecture design incorporates natural lighting and ventilation which is designed to minimize energy usage both by installing high levels of insulation and by appropriate design of air handling. The facility is for the treatment of people who are unwell, so fresh air is used throughout.
The building architecture footprint occupies most of the site and is very overlooked. As a result, the building design incorporates a central top lit space around which the clinical rooms are grouped. The building form and the low energy design are integral to each other. The central top lit space provides light to circulation and waiting areas without being overlooked and gives a view of the sky and weather. It also tempers the air and provides the method of air handling within the building. It allows choice and variety in waiting spaces and provides control, both access and separation in a subtle fashion.
The architect provided interior design services also. A warm, welcoming and bright colour scheme was selected. This has been well received by the users. Detailing and materials must be robust and easy to clean and maintain. They also comply with the HSE guidelines and good practice for health care buildings. The building is accessible and designed to cater for disabled and frail visitors.
