The doctor’s surgery at L’Aumone was originally constructed in 1974. Although the building had been extended over the years it was significantly undersized for the number of patients registered with the practice, and the facilities were inadequate. The doctors had wished to extend the building for a long time, and the change in Planning law in 2016, with L’Aumone being designated a Local Centre, allowed this to happen. The design was developed in close consultation with the doctors to provide a building fit for current medical practice. Easy access to patient areas was a priority, but ancillary spaces such as offices and staff facilities were also designed to enhance the daily experience of all users of the building.
A medical centre is a semi-public building and important to the local community. The design sought to reflect this in providing a focal point in the L’Aumone Centre, that was attractive and welcoming. The building was constructed on a green field, and it was considered important to maintain planting on the site. Soft landscaping is therefore an integral part of the design. It is envisaged that the medical centre will be needed in this location for many years so the client wanted the structure to allow for alterations and extensions in the future in order to allow for changes in medical practice or expansion. The building therefore encompasses design features with this in mind.