Cork University Hospital, Cork

The AAMHU at Cork University Maternity Hospital was formally opened in 2015 and comprises 10,000sq. of accommodation to replace an existing facility on the Campus that was no longer fit for purpose. The AAMHU is a stand alone building incorporating 50 in-patient beds, providing various levels of support and needs. It is located on a brown field site- previously a surface Car Park – on the north western edge of the campus, adjacent to residential areas.

The intended use and the location has been reflected in the architecture form that is more domestic in materiality, scale and design, than an institutional building.

The plan is based on providing self contained ward blocks, all accessed from the main foyer. Each block is provided with dedicated external areas for patient relaxation and occupational therapy etc. within landscaped Courtyard Gardens or a Roof Garden.

The brief comprised two 18 bed wards, located at Level G, a further 6 bed Assessment Ward also at Level G, and a 10 bed Elderly Patient ward at Level 1. All accommodation is in accordance with updated area requirements. In addition the brief provided for 10 consultants rooms, a Clinical Director Suite and Student areas. Staff support services are also provided at Level 1.

The operation of the building has dictated three separate entrances – staff, patient / visitor and assessment entrance – and these have been located on separate facades for security, privacy and ease of access. In addition, the displaced car parking on the site has been accommodated within a sub Basement Level, which also provides direct secure access to the Unit for staff.

Although Campus based, the desire by the staff was for the new facility to be ‘non-institution’ as it is primarily a short term residential facility. This has been realised in the final scheme which has incorporated brick / stone / zinc and glass to provide a contemporary building that is more ‘Apartment’ rather than ‘Healthcare’ in its aesthetic.

Michael Regan of EPCA was Director in Charge / Design and Project Architect for this project whilst Managing Director of Reddy O’Riordan Staehli Architects