Project Overview:
Darwin Group successfully delivers the first known all electric ICU and inpatient volumetric modular ward for AGH Solutions Ltd on behalf of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. The 3,500m² volumetric modular new ICU and 30 bed ward was designed and built over a 12-month period to ease the impact of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) at the Hospital.
Darwin Group has designed and built the first known all electric inpatient volumetric modular building for AGH Solutions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. The project nominated is for the development of a 3500m² ICU and 30-bed ward which is the first known all electric ICU and inpatient ward in the NHS. This is delivering a pioneering project with excellent sustainability credentials working towards the NHS Net Zero Carbon targets.
With a tight timeline of only 12 months to procure, design and build a 3500m² new intensive care unit and decant ward, AGH Solutions appointed Darwin Group Ltd via direct award following the issue of budget proposals with full design development straight into contract. The contract was signed at the end of May 2021 and work commenced on site in August 2021, the next-generation volumetric modular building was in place for Christmas and is expected to be handed over at the end of May 2022. Darwin Group provided a full design and build turnkey service, including ground clearance including major service diversion work and civils works in preparation for the modules arriving.
In total over 9400 tonnes of excavated materials were taken away, with a total of 362 Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles varying from 300 – 400mm diameter to depths of 12 – 15m installed. 126 next-generation volumetric modules were built at Darwin Groups’ factory in Shropshire and installed over 2 weeks (14 days). The operation required a 24-hour shift working and close liaison with Yorkshire police and the council to limit the impact on the surrounding roads, bridges, and neighbours. Internal partitions were installed over 10 working days, all over boarded with 12 – 18mm plywood and Fireline face plasterboard for additional resilience. This all electric inpatient building ensures heating and hot water is provided from low carbon renewable sources including 80 Solar PV panels which provide zero carbon energy to the 3 air source heat pumps.
This scheme is further accredited with REGO certification (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) which provides transparency to the trust in terms of the how electricity has been sourced from renewable generation. With a total Design and Build cost of just over £4,500/m² for an ICU/ward, this is considered exceptional value for money for a building of this nature. With the very ambitious programme to deliver against, it has attracted widespread interest from NHSEI, as well the New Hospital Programme looking to evaluate if this type of construction could be a cost-effective solution for the future.
