The Orangery
Great Ormond Street Hospital wanted to create a ‘conservatory type building’ for eating and drinking that offered visitors a tranquil escape, so Spacelab transformed an unused and unloved roof area into a striking, sculptural pavilion in timber and glass, far removed from the usual hospital canteen experience.
Finger-like sections of the zinc-clad roof wrap around the space, and sections of glass between them create a dynamic play of light and shadow inside. It won a RIBA Award in 2005, and in the same year was shortlisted for the prestigious Stephen Lawrence Award, and mid-listed for Britain’s top architectural accolade, the Stirling Prize.
The Friends Garden
Spacelab worked with multi award-winning gardener Andy Sturgeon to create a calm, green oasis on the roof of Great Ormond Street hospital for staff, which capitalises on fantastic views across London, and doubles up as a venue for functions.
The distinction between inside and outside is blurred, with folding sliding doors that peel back and internal flooring that extends out on to the terrace. Planting is used to create semi-private areas outside, and raised platforms of grass feature timber borders that double up as seating. The rooftop garden was named NHS Best External Space at the Building Better Healthcare Awards in 2008.
The Coffee Shop
Hospital cafes often feel like light-starved depositories for vending machines. Spacelab wanted to change this by creating a café with full-height windows that fold back, making a visceral connection with the landscaped courtyard outside.
The timber flooring inside swoops up and out the windows, where it becomes benches for outdoor eating, and a contemporary lighting scheme creates a mood far removed from the fluorescent strip lights in the rest of the hospital. The result is a space that offers respite, with a design that is clearly distinct from the clinical wards.
Assura Medical
Assura Medical works in partnership with GPs and health professionals to deliver medical services across the UK.
Spacelab have created two new offices for their business both in London and in Warrington. The new space in their flagship offices in London allows for video conferencing, presentation suites and has a high proportion of flexible working for the field sales staff who use the London office as their base.