The Dame Clare Marx Building, Colchester Hospital

We’re proud to have played our part in the new £64 million Essex & Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre, a landmark new addition to Colchester Hospital. Officially named the Dame Clare Marx Building, this NHS facility is a four-storey modular development designed to treat up to 10,00 patients annually. It features eight operating theatres, three wards and 72 inpatient beds, and showcases the success of hybrid construction which combines traditional techniques with modern methods.

Delivering a high-performance façade system for a modular healthcare building requires precision. Throughout the project, Kingfisher’s client, Eden Facades worked closely with main contractor, MTX, and supply chain partners to overcome logistical, structural and design challenges, ensuring the external envelope met the highest standards of quality, safety and aesthetics.

Kingfisher’s architectural louvres were specified for this project for use on the third floor plant rooms. Expertly installed by Eden Facades, the louvres integrated seamlessly with the aluminium cladding which was fabricated to align perfectly with the louvre blades. This meant that when you look at the elevation it appears to be entirely composed of louvres.

Logistics were equally important for this project. Constructed on a live hospital site separate from the main building, all deliveries had to pass through an active hospital campus. Kingfisher’s louvres, along with all other materials, were scheduled for deliveries outside peak periods to minimise disruption.

Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the Dame Clare Marx Building embodies sustainable healthcare design, integrating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

Images courtesy of Eden Facades