Dyson Centre for Neo Natal Care, Bath

The requirement for a new Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit has grown out of an assessment of the existing unit which, although delivering exemplary care, was doing so in a low quality and restricted space.

A community led project, fronted by the Forever Friends Appeal was created with the aim to create a ‘Space to Grow’ with sustainability at its heart. The committed team involved local architects and engineers all who have close ties with the community and the NICU.

The design process involved extensive consultation with staff and parents’ groups with their own particular needs and has adhered to the “Development Care Model”.

The project has achieved BREEAM Excellent, and incorporates a sedum roof for rainwater attenuations, and to increase biodiversity on the site. Other key sustainable features include low flow water fittings and rainwater harvesting, reducing the use of mains potable water; and a combined heat and power unit, which provides low carbon electricity and heat to the NICU. Construction U-values and an air permeability are up to 50% better than the minimum standards therefore reducing thermal loads and energy consumption. An overall reduction in regulated annual CO2 emissions is 28% better than the Target Emission Rating currently estimated at 118kgCO2/m2.